Alcohol

Alcohol is the most widely used drug in the world and, when drunk in moderation, can have health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease. Drinking responsibly is generally accepted by most people and most concerns over alcohol are connected with problem drinking.

The first type of problem drinking is binge drinking - when someone consumes over half of their recommended units in one session, with the intention of getting drunk. Britain has a reputation for its binge drinking culture, partly because of the behaviour which often comes with it (this includes drink driving, fights, vomiting, one night stands, public urination, etc).

Another type of problem drinking is alcoholism, where someone develops a physical and psychological addiction to alcohol and therefore become dependent on it. Apart from the obvious effects on a person's life, such as problems with work, relationships and potentially developing conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, it is possible to die from alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol can have some enjoyable effects, such as making someone feel less inhibited socially, and although some believe it to be more harmful than cannabis and ecstasy, it is one of few legal drugs. However, if used to excess, it quickly becomes unpleasant and dangerous. People should make their own minds up about their alcohol use, but if it gets to the stage where other people start to be affected, then I think this can be considered "bad".

Health info about drinking sensibly: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/alcohol_abuse.html

Info about health benefits and risks of alcohol: http://www.keepthedoctoraway.co.uk/Articles/Drinking:TheHealthBenefits_391.html

An article about "ladette" binge drinking culture: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1039963/Menace-violent-girls-Binge-drinking-culture-fuels-surge-attacks-women.html