Alcohol: The history and impact of the world's most notorious drug

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of alcohol, examining its multifaceted impact on individuals and societies throughout history. From its accidental discovery in prehistory to its current status as a global commodity, the narrative traces alcohol's influence on culture, religion, economics, and politics. It delves into the science behind intoxication, detailing alcohol's effects on the brain and body, both short-term and long-term, and confronts the stark realities of alcohol use disorder, its causes, and pathways to recovery. The book also explores the diverse drinking patterns around the world, highlighting how cultural norms shape consumption and examining the complex relationship between alcohol and social rituals, aggression, and crime.The book doesn't shy away from alcohol's darker side, confronting the devastating consequences of drink driving and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, and examining the challenges of regulating a substance so deeply embedded in human experience. It analyzes the economic forces driving the global alcohol industry, its marketing strategies, and its influence on policy decisions. The complexities of alcohol taxation, availability controls, and public health initiatives are explored, offering insights into the ongoing struggle to balance individual choice with societal well-being.Finally, the book looks towards the future of alcohol, discussing emerging trends like low- and no-alcohol beverages, the impact of technology on consumption, and the changing attitudes towards drinking. It provides a balanced and objective perspective, acknowledging alcohol's role in human pleasure and social connection while unflinchingly examining its potential for destruction. This comprehensive exploration offers readers a deeper understanding of the world's most notorious drug.

• | Author: Alex Bugeja
• | Publisher: Independently Published
• | Publication Date: Feb 19, 2025
• | Number of Pages: 00200 pages
• | Binding: Paperback or Softback
• | ISBN-10: NA
• | ISBN-13: 9798311312691