Alcohol is one of the first drugs known to mankind. Used by humans for over 10,000 years, alcohol is a double-edged sword. When taken in moderation, it can prevent heart disease. French people are living proof of this. Did you know that just drinking 20-30 grams a day can reduce your risk of coronary heart disease by as much as 40 percent? This is because wine can inhibit the formation of blood clots in the arteries. Not only does it benefit the heart, moderate consumption of alcohol also reduces the risk of developing diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and even cancer. These are all good reasons to raise that glass!
But before you down an entire bottle, the key here is moderation. Once you drink heavily, all those benefits disappear. Studies have shown that chronic alcohol consumption can cause damage to the heart and increase one’s risk of stroke. It can also cause liver damage, brain damage, bone damage and increase the risk for various types of cancer. It affects the immune system and the endocrine system, including the reproductive organs. That’s right guys, it affects your performance in the bedroom also! Not to mention the increased risk of violent behavior (bar brawls, fights, etc.) and the tendency for other kinds of substance abuse.
But if this is not enough reason to moderate your drinking, how about calculating the cost of your drinking? This cost of drinking calculator above can help you put in perspective your alcohol habit. It’s easy to use. All you have to do is keep track of the number of drinks you buy every day. You don’t have to be accurate, just think in terms of averages. But it would be great if you kept track of it for at least a week. Then, note the price and the frequency with which you drink. Input these figures into the calculator and you will find out your drinking costs per week and per year.
You may ask, why would I need a cost of drinking calculator? Mainly because the devil is in the details. If you are like the average American who goes to his favorite bar at the end of the day to unwind, you most likely do not consider the financial costs of this daily side trip. But if you add up your daily drinks, you will see the bigger picture and realize how much of your hard-earned money you are spending on this habit. You can determine for yourself whether you are drinking in moderation or if you have an issue that needs attention. This calculator of course does not work if you don’t pay for your drinks!
Unlike smoking (which has no upside), drinking alcohol is a balancing game. You want to reap all of the wonderful benefits of drinking alcohol, but you don’t want to overdo it and risk your health. This is where the cost of drinking calculator comes in. By measuring the cost of your habit, you have another reason to rein in your drinking and save some money. The additional money in your wallet can be used for other things and in this economy, who doesn’t appreciate a few extra dollars in their pocket?
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