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People drink alcohol because either it makes them feel good or are addicted to it because without it they feel bad and miserable. Alcohol like most pleasurable but ultimately bad things should be consumed in moderation and not over-used. Because of this, states and countries have laws governing its proper use and punishment for over-indulgence. “Driving Under Influence (DUI)” is a well-publicized and used regulation to punish people operating an auto while drunk. For a period in early 20^th century, America even prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol entirely country wide until the law was repealed.

No doubt alcohol is for most people, who use it in moderation and an occasional or social drinker,  a feel good liquid. It is often referred to as a “social lubricant” that releases inhibitions of emotionally shy or stoic persons. But for these people, they still behave rationally and are in control of their behavior while drinking. They feel good about themselves mixing well with others. We call such situation as becoming “HIGH”. But when a person starts to over-used or becoming dependent on alcohol, s/he behaves irresponsibly and violently sometimes under its influence. S/he becomes a menace to others. They are “DRUNK”.

I myself drink alcohol sparingly. One glass perhaps every two or three days. In social situation I will take a drink if it is the only thing offered. Otherwise, I take soft drink or juice instead. I can honestly say I have never been DRUNK is my entire life and often the “designated driver” after a party in my younger days. But I do experience the “feeling good” sensation of being HIGH. The easiest way to get “HIGH” in my opinion is to have one glass of the cocktail named a “dry martini”. Fans of James Bond movies know it is the favorite of our hero, agent 007, consumed “shaken but not stirred”. Basically the drink is at least 50+% pure alcohol with some added fruit flavor. Extremist will only rinse the glass with “dry vermouth” then fill it with either gin or vodka. As the saying goes – “this really hits the spot” and it bring your emotion to a heightened state very quickly. It is a easily available but not necessarily a good long term antidote for temporarily depression or mood changing food in social gatherings. Nondrinkers try it sometime.