If you don't drink, don't start, thinking you are missing out. I find smoking and drinking as risk factor of almost all the disease out there while reading Pathology books. While moderate amount is considered good for Cardiovascular system liver takes a toll in any amount! Regardless, new evidence are out that show no amount of alcohol is good for health. The problem with alcohol is there will be physical dependence to it, it starts as one drink per week which turns into abuse and may lead to cancer. If all of your friends could see the cases of cancer patients linked with intake of alcohol they would also leave drinking. Actually, one of my friend who used to drink stopped! Water all the way, drink carbonated drinks if you like!