Alcohol: Origins, Benefits, and Dangers

The Origins of Alcohol

Alcohol has been part of human culture for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence shows that humans made fermented drinks as far back as 7,000 BC in China. Middle East tribes produced wine around 6,000 BC.

Throughout history, alcohol has been:

• Used in religious rituals and ceremonies.

• It is shared in social gatherings as a sign of hospitality.

• Viewed as both a medicine and a source of enjoyment.

It remains deeply embedded in cultural traditions worldwide.

The Cultural Draw of Alcohol

Alcohol carries a strong cultural and social appeal. It is often associated with:

• Celebrations, weddings, festivals, holidays.

• Bonding, enjoying a drink with friends, colleagues, or family.

• Relaxation, a glass of wine after work or a pint at the pub.

But cultural acceptance can sometimes mask the risks, making it easy for people to drink more than they should.

Are there any Benefits of Alcohol?

In moderation, alcohol can have some social and health-related benefits, such as:

• Helping people relax and unwind.

• Providing a sense of social connection.

• Potential heart health benefits (some studies link moderate red wine consumption with improved cardiovascular health, though scientists do not fully agree on this).

The key here is moderation: be aware of the safe limits, but, more importantly, listen to your own body if you suffer from hangovers; it's your body telling you that you have consumed far too much alcohol. As you will see later in this blog, some people's biology means their bodies may be more tolerant to alcohol. But that doesn't mean it is not causing damage to their health.

The Safe Limits of Alcohol

In the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) guidelines for low-risk drinking are:

• No more than 14 units per week, spread across several days.

• Having several alcohol-free days each week.

Examples:

• A small glass of wine (125ml, 12%) = ~1.5 units.

• A pint of beer (5%) = ~2.8 units.

• A single measure of spirits (25ml, 40%) = 1 unit.

Drinking more than this regularly increases the risk of harm, the NHS advises.

The Dangers of Alcohol

While alcohol may feel like a social lubricant or emotional crutch, the risks are significant when consumed in excess.

Physical Health Risks

• Liver damage (fatty liver, cirrhosis, liver cancer).

• Heart problems (high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, heart disease).

• Digestive issues (stomach ulcers, pancreatitis).

• Increased cancer risk (mouth, throat, breast, bowel, and liver cancers).

• Weakened immune system, making infections more likely.

Mental and Emotional Health

• Depression and anxiety, alcohol may numb feelings temporarily, but it worsens mental health long-term.

• Sleep disruption from alcohol reduces sleep quality and can worsen fatigue.

• Dependence on alcohol as a crutch can lead to addiction.

Social and Life Impact

• Strained relationships.

• Reduced productivity at work.

• Financial problems from heavy spending on alcohol.

• Increased risk of accidents and injury.

Alcohol as an Imaginary Crutch

One of the most dangerous aspects of alcohol is its use as a coping mechanism. Many people turn to alcohol to:

• Manage stress.

• Escape emotional pain.

• Boost confidence in social situations.

While it may offer short-term relief, it doesn't solve underlying issues and can worsen them over time. This cycle can trap people into dependence and addiction. If it becomes a regular habit, it may become a long-term problem.

Striking a Balance

Alcohol can be enjoyed safely if consumed responsibly and within recommended limits. Being aware of how much you drink, why you drink, and the effects it has on your body and mind is essential.

Tips for Balance

• Track your weekly alcohol units.

• Plan alcohol free days each week.

• Replace drinking rituals with healthier habits (exercise, meditation, hobbies).

• Seek support if alcohol has become a coping mechanism.

Humans are not all the same when it comes to how alcohol affects the body. However, and this is a significant difference, biological and individual differences are biological and personal, not moral or value-based, and they vary within every population as much as between them.

Why Alcohol Affects People Differently

Genetic differences in alcohol-processing enzymes

The body mainly uses two enzymes to break down alcohol:

• ADH (alcohol dehydrogenase)

• ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase)

Some people have versions of these enzymes that process alcohol faster, some slower, and some produce unpleasant reactions.

What I found interesting growing up was that my brother and I could consume the same amount of alcohol. But my body would recover faster, unless he was drinking more and not telling, which would indicate to me that this enzyme is more individual than hereditary.

My mother never drank alcohol, and yet suffered with her health. Whereas my father drank heavily until his mid-40s, and then, moderately every day with no health issues.

Common patterns observed worldwide:

• A large percentage of East Asians (Chinese, Japanese, and Korean) have a variation of the ALDH2 gene that breaks down alcohol very slowly. This causes flushing, nausea, rapid heartbeat, and feeling "drunk" faster.

• People of European descent often have ADH/ALDH versions that process alcohol more efficiently, on average.

• Some groups in the Mediterranean and Middle East may have slower ADH activity, making the intoxicating effects stronger even with smaller amounts.

• Indigenous groups worldwide (e.g., First Nations, Native Americans, Aboriginal Australians) have high variability in alcohol metabolism, often tied more to social and historical factors than genetics.

But remember: These are broad patterns, not rules. Individuals vary massively.

Body composition also matters.

Regardless of ethnicity, these factors change how alcohol feels:

• Body weight.

• Muscle vs fat ratio.

• Age (older people metabolise alcohol more slowly).

• Sex (biologically, women often feel effects faster due to a lower water percentage in the body).

• Gut and liver health.

These personal differences often matter more than race or nationality.

Culture and environment matter as much as biology.

People often assume "X group can drink more" when in reality:

• Some cultures promote drinking from a young age.

• Some discourage it entirely.

• Some environments normalise heavy drinking.

• Some social norms encourage moderation.

So drinking ability is often learned, not inherited.

I recall a conversation with some Portuguese lads decades ago while watching a football match. One of the lads said, " The difference between the British and the Portuguese is that we find the girl first, then get drunk. Where the British get drunk and then find a girl," I remember thinking How true!

Important point

No nationality or race is "better" or "worse" at handling alcohol; they process it differently, and often the variation within a single group is greater than the differences between groups.

Summary

• Biological differences affect how individuals metabolise alcohol.

• Certain genetic variations are more common in some populations.

• No, this doesn't mean one group is universally "better" or "worse" at drinking.

• Nationality alone cannot predict your tolerance; genetics, body composition, culture, and personal habits all matter.

An observation while travelling and mixing with different cultures, the British tend to drink before they eat. Whereas other cultures eat well and then drink.

Final Thoughts

Alcohol has a long history, and it plays a decisive role in human culture. In moderation, it can enhance social connection and enjoyment. But when used as a crutch or consumed in excess, it poses serious risks to both body and mind.

By understanding safe limits and the dangers of misuse, we can make more mindful choices about when and how we drink.

Many people don't realise they have a drinking issue until it's too late and they suffer a health issue or a relationship breakdown. Being aware of your drinking HABITS is key. Recognising that you might be relying on alcohol too much is a positive step, and taking action is life-changing.

Personally, I decided to take a break from alcohol for a month, and many years later, I'm still taking a break. Everything is better: food, relationships, bank balance, and health. I feel like I'm really living these days!

See Blog: Alcohol How Does it Affect Your Body.

See our blog What is Stress?