Drinking is not alcoholism

The most common reason cited in favour of prohibition is the prevention of alcoholism. We all know that alcoholism is a disease and alcoholics are known to have debt-ridden lives, beating wives and children and generally wasting themselves away. People who turn to alcoholism are usually those who cannot stand stress and are either weak or irresponsible individuals. Their alcoholism is just a manifestation of their inner selves. But all those who drink are not alcoholics. We need to make a serious distinction between the two. Responsible drinking as a concept is possible. For example, in many countries where laws are very strict about drinking and driving, people don't touch their cars even after just one pint of beer (which hardly alters the senses!). They choose to use public transport during the times that they know they'll get knackered. Never mind that the trains and tubes end up smelling as hell on weekend nights, but still, we can appreciate this, right? Do you think that in order for MaltMarch to campaign for lifting of prohibition in Gujarat, it will have to look into all issues that surround drinking, alcoholism and social good?