Alcohol has been an acceptable social drug since the beginning of recorded history, it's effects are no better than those of some illicit drugs, but it does have some saving graces.
In most cases, our bodies have had a few centuries to adapt to it somewhat.
It is not a truly "addictive" drug in the medical sense of the word. Habit forming... perhaps, addictive,... no.
Because of it's acceptance by our culture for such a long time I don't see it being banned in the foreseeable future although Governments are slowly enacting more laws controlling its irresponsible use.
There I also the more minor consideration of the amount of Tax that it raises for our respective Governments
