Many families use wine or other alcoholic beverages as a part of traditions or rituals. Others enjoy the relaxation effects of drinking or merely like the taste of a beer or a glass of wine with a special meal. In each of these examples, the use of alcohol is moderate, occasional and low- risk. There is also a large number of Minnesotans who choose not to drink. These people enjoy benefits from choosing to abstain from alcohol use.
Abstinence is a lifesaving decision for people recovering from chemical dependency.
For those who abstain, there is no risk of developing a dependency or experiencing other problems related to alcohol use such as a drinking and driving violation. For those people with a family history of alcoholism, a choice to remain abstinent will help break the cycle of addiction. Alcohol-free living allows people of all ages to be free to grow in their ability to manage stress and develop without the interference of alcohol. There are clear benefits from both the safe and low-risk use of alcohol as well as from the choice to abstain. When alcohol is used in connection with activities such as driving a motor vehicle, serious safety problems can result.