I came across these interesting alcohol facts.

In Florida, in 2000, there were 23,578 alcohol-related crashes, which injured 19,775 people and killed 9795. 32.6% of traffic fatalities and 9.5% of traffic crashes were alcohol related. Approximately three people died and 60 were injured every day due to alcohol related collisions in Florida.

The affects of alcohol are a general depressing of the functions of the brain and body. Depressing of these functions begins at the first sip of alcohol. The only safe amount of alcohol to consume and then drive is none.

STOMACH. Alcohol consumption on an empty stomach can cause a peptic ulcer or a bleeding ulcer. A bleeding ulcer occurs if acid flows into the ulcerated wall and penetrates an artery. It should be understood and made clear that alcohol is a toxic poison that can kill.

Alcohol appears to act as a stimulant and provokes a sensation approaching euphoria, which makes the subject wrongly assess his capabilities and take risks, which might not have been taken in the normal state. Alcohol also acts like an anesthetic: it suppresses or reduces perception, disrupts the faculties and above all, slows down the reflexes.

This site list risks and benefits of alcohol consumption You will find the information to be quite fascinating.

To be fair I wanted to list some of the benefits of alcohol consumption...
I would paraphrase them as follows.
Older men (45+) can experience some health benefits from moderate drinking. 1-2/day.
Overall the theories that drinking can be beneficial to one's health are controversial at best, especially for individuals younger than 45 and not suffering or predisposed to specific ailments.
Honestly I think that's it. The rest of the benefits are more perceived benefits. Social courage, sense of euphoria, brief stimulus, dulled senses.

The risks list of alcohol consumption is extensive.

But I will say this...People have used alcohol safely and enjoyably for thousands of years, and it continues to occupy an important place in many religious ceremonies and social celebrations.

Would we have been better off without alcohol in our lives?
I know some people who would have been. And what about the approximately three people who died and 60 who were injured every day due to alcohol related collisions in Florida in 2000? In one year 9800 people died from alcohol related traffic accidents, and their friends and families were left with that loss.

Consider for yourself the role alcohol has played in abuse, infidelity, murder, crime, suicide, divorce, broken relationships, broken hearts, empty wallets, homelessness...