Well you are dodging long-term effects such as metabolism changes in the liver, brain and alcoholism.
Medical personnel point out that the long term effects of drinking alcohol include damage to the liver and brain, so I'd say you're better off without it!
I have been sober for four months now and feel great. Congratulations, so you have achieved independence from drinking alcohol correct? I just stopped drinking wine.  It was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be.  Still miss it with nice dinners though.
Long-term effects of alcohol consumption include changes in the metabolism of the liver and brain and alcoholism.