Keith Ablow Comments on Drinking in America

One of Keith Ablow’s main points about drinking in America is that, “A significant portion of our population wants to not be present for significant portions of every single week.”

 

 

Drinking is one of the most popular activities in the country. Everywhere you go, there are alcoholic beverages being served. Every weekend and even on some weekdays there are specials all over the place to get cheap drinks for happy hour. The United States of America is one of the heavier drinking countries in the world by the numbers, but there could be negative effects from all of the alcohol consumption. According to Keith Ablow, “The magnitude of this intoxication—resulting in frequently and dramatically altered states of consciousness for tens of millions of Americans—is no different than if we were to learn that a quarter of our young people were snorting half-a-gram of cocaine more than once-a-week or injecting heroin on that schedule.”

Controlling a drinking habit can be difficult. If you have been drinking all of your adult life it can be hard to stop having a drink with your favorite meal, a glass of wine with your dinner, a beer during the game, or any other time you typically enjoy an alcoholic beverage. It takes a little bit of practice but anyone can learn to reduce their drinking, and this could help society become a little bit better overall.

As Psychiatrist Keith Ablow puts it, “The fact that we are doing this as a culture is the single most ominous psychological trend we have ever faced. I am not exaggerating. Unchecked, it will literally create an absentee nation.”

You may or may not agree with Keith, but the fact of the matter is people in this country do love drinking. There is definitely a chance that the negative aspects of a nation of drinkers outweigh the benefits. Only time will tell what the true effect of drinking is on the country. While drinking might be a fun activity in many different situations, it might not always be the best choice psychologically. Drinking at sporting events, after work, with dinner, with family or friends at home is always going to have an appeal. The trick is being honest and knowing when enough is enough. There can be too much of any good thing, alcohol is no exception. The psychological effects of drinking too much or too often might be damaging in the long run.

Keith Ablow, MD counsels and coaches individuals across the United States and around the world in-person, via Skype or by telephone.  Contact him by emailing info@keithablow.com or calling 978-462-1125.