I really don't get any "joy" out of drinking something that tastes like it's got something in it that belongs in a gasoline tank or some sort of burner. I hate the taste of alcohol, and I hate the feeling of not being in control of my own thoughts and emotions/actions.
As for other people's use, if they can do it IN MODERATION, fine. However, if they injure or assault others who have nothing to say in the matter of their drinking or using some other drugs, AFAIC, "drunk and didn't know what I was doing" is no excuse. Rather, it should be considered an aggravating factor and pull a harsher sentence. Some other countries have harsher penalties. El Salvador, for instance, has a penalty of execution by firing squad for first-time offenders in drunk driving cases. They don't have a problem with repeat offenders. Finland and Sweden prescribe 1-year jail sentences of hard labor. South Africa gives a 10-year sentence.
There is some percentage of people who cannot keep "moderate" drinking in moderation. Even according to Alcoholics Anonymous' statistics, the percentage who stop drinking and stay stopped is abysmally low. Same with every other treatment or therapy known. What do we do with them? Putting them in jail or prison is no answer - alcohol and drugs are known to be quite available in jails and prisons!
As for other people's use, if they can do it IN MODERATION, fine. However, if they injure or assault others who have nothing to say in the matter of their drinking or using some other drugs, AFAIC, "drunk and didn't know what I was doing" is no excuse. Rather, it should be considered an aggravating factor and pull a harsher sentence. Some other countries have harsher penalties. El Salvador, for instance, has a penalty of execution by firing squad for first-time offenders in drunk driving cases. They don't have a problem with repeat offenders. Finland and Sweden prescribe 1-year jail sentences of hard labor. South Africa gives a 10-year sentence.
There is some percentage of people who cannot keep "moderate" drinking in moderation. Even according to Alcoholics Anonymous' statistics, the percentage who stop drinking and stay stopped is abysmally low. Same with every other treatment or therapy known. What do we do with them? Putting them in jail or prison is no answer - alcohol and drugs are known to be quite available in jails and prisons!
