Alcohol abuse is primarily a public health problem, not a law enforcement problem. Many physicians and medical schools consider alcohol abuse a bad habit. Saying alcoholics are hapless victims of a disease ignores their decision to drink and undermines their willpower to stop abusing alcohol. The problems of smoking are not at all similar to those of alcohol abuse, and the solutions must differ as well. Laws are the best educational devices ever invented.
Alcohol abuse is a very old health problem, older than advertising or television.
In calling for stricter laws and enforcement to reduce alcohol abuse, this choice gives courts and police more power and, inevitably, reduces individual rights. By focusing on research, prevention, and treatment, this choice would cost a lot and might take a long time to show results. In promoting an entirely negative view of alcohol, this choice might result in more restrictions on drinking than many Americans want.