Social implications of alcohol consumption.

Introduction To a large extent the papers at today’s meeting are concerned with physical abnormalities occurring as the result of alcohol consumption. As such my paper is something of ‘an odd man out’ in two ways. Firstly, I am concerned to examine the social and psychological reasons behind the consumption of alcohol. And secondly, I am concerned as much, if not more, with the normal unharmful effects resulting from this consumption. In a way much of my paper is concerned with establishing some sense of perspective about alcohol consumption for, however well known the facts are, the subject remains emotionally highly charged. Perhaps just one example will sufficefrom a recent publication of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (Stewart, 1971).