x, 265 pages ; 23 cm

Discusses healthy versus unhealthy alcohol consumption, describes the health benefits of consuming alcohol in moderation, and explains how alcohol influences the brain and body

Scientific research has clearly established that drinking in moderation has many health benefits, including maintaining a healthy heart. Yet, many people do not know that drinking red wine protects the heart more than white wine, while beer, margaritas, and hard liquor are less effective in providing such protection. And while alcoholism is a serious problem requiring medical and psychological treatment, for those who are not addicted, drinking alcohol is not necessarily a bad habit. The problem is to distinguish between drinking sensibly and drinking insensibly. Dasgupta clearly outlines what constitutes healthy drinking and its attendant health benefits, offers advice on how to drink responsibly, and provides insight into just how alcohol works on the brain and the body. After reading this book, readers will enjoy their next drink with a fuller and safer understanding of why they're enjoying it. -- Provided by publisher

Includes bibliographical references and index

Alcohol use and abuse: past and present -- How the human body handles alcohol: a guide to drinking sensibly and avoiding a DWI -- How alcohol affects the human mind -- Health benefits of moderate alcohol consumption -- Harmful effects of chronic alcohol consumption -- DWI and alcohol testing: breath analyzer versus blood alcohol -- Biomarkers of alcohol abuse -- Pharmaceuticals, drugs of abuse, and alcohol: a potentially deadly mix -- Workplace alcohol and drug testing: when not to drink at all -- Why not to drink at all when you're pregnant -- Dangers of moonshine whiskey and related illegally produced liquors -- More dangerous than alcohol: methanol and ethylene glycol