Alcoholic beverages are enjoyed at various occasions. These include celebrations, parties, and dinner. In addition, researchers have concluded that two to three glasses of red wine a week have been proven to improve cholesterol levels and reduce blood clots. Hence, wine consumed in moderation is healthy for the heart. If alcohol can be a source of pleasure and beneficial for our health, why is it commonly referred to as a "poisonous substance?"

Alcohol in itself is not bad. However, the problem lies in the abuse of alcohol. People love to consume alcoholic beverages. Thus, millions of people worldwide fall into alcohol's enticing trap. These individuals are not necessarily alcoholics. Each year hundreds of thousands of people are injured or killed in alcohol-related automobile accidents. Sadly, many fatalities occur among those who were not drinking.

The death toll related to alcohol abuse is unimaginable. According to the National Council of Alcohol and Drug Dependency, 105,000 Americans are killed each year in alcohol-related crashes. This number is extremely high among young adults, even those under the legal drinking age. In addition, it is estimated that nearly 14 million of the American population are alcoholics. However, the effects of alcohol abuse are not limited to the United States. It is estimated that 1 in 3 European men between the ages of 15 and 30 will die due to alcohol abuse. Accidents will not be the cause of many of these deaths. Instead, alcohol-related illnesses and health problems will contribute to premature death.