Changes

'''Alcohol abuse''' is a problem that encompasses more than [[alcoholism]] (a chronic, lifelong acquired [[disease]] in which a person is dependent upon alcohol); one can abuse [[alcohol]] without being dependent on its effects.<ref>http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs/General-English/default.htm#whatis</ref> Over 17 million people in the [[United States]] are either alcohol abusers or alcoholics. Alcohol abuse is a problem for people of all demographics, but is highest among people aged 18-29. People who start drinking at a young age are much more likely to become alcohol abusers than people who do not start drinking until the age of 21, but there is little objective, independent evidence to suggest a correlation. In 1984, President [[Ronald Reagan]] threatened to veto the [[Democratic]] [[House of Representative]]s' bill that would federally raise the drinking age to 21, citing states' rights concerns.

'''Alcohol abuse''' is a problem that encompasses more than [[alcoholism]] (a chronic, lifelong acquired [[disease]] in which a person is dependent upon alcohol); one can abuse [[alcohol]] without being dependent on its effects.<ref>http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/FAQs/General-English/default.htm#whatis</ref> Over 17 million people in the [[United States]] are either alcohol abusers or alcoholics. Alcohol abuse is a problem for people of all demographics, but is highest among people aged 18–29. People who start drinking at a young age are much more likely to become alcohol abusers than people who do not start drinking until the age of 21, but there is little objective, independent evidence to suggest a correlation. In 1984, President [[Ronald Reagan]] threatened to veto the [[Democratic]] [[House of Representative]]s' bill that would federally raise the drinking age to 21, citing states' rights concerns.

Since the drinking age was raised to a nationally uniform 21, drunk driving-related deaths have dropped substantially, at almost the same percentage as driving-related deaths that do not involve alcohol. Drinking age opponents and independent studies suggest that vehicle safety, seatbelt wearing, and increased use of designated drivers account for the substantial decrease in alcohol- and non-alcohol-related driving deaths. Furthermore, the trend started in 1969 but plateaued in the mid- to -late-1990's when cops 'n shops programs became popular. However, the introduction of cops 'n shops and slowing of the decrease in drunk driving deaths may be unrelated.

Since the drinking age was raised to a nationally uniform 21, drunk driving-related deaths have dropped substantially, at almost the same percentage as driving-related deaths that do not involve alcohol. Drinking age opponents and independent studies suggest that vehicle safety, seatbelt wearing, and increased use of designated drivers account for the substantial decrease in alcohol- and non-alcohol-related driving deaths. Furthermore, the trend started in 1969 but plateaued in the mid- to -late-1990's when cops 'n shops programs became popular. However, the introduction of cops 'n shops and slowing of the decrease in drunk driving deaths may be unrelated.

{{cquote|Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor [a]effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.  - I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NASB)}}

{{cquote|Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor [a]effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.  - I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NASB)}}

The Bible teaches that excess alcohol use is a [[sin]].<ref>[http://m.blogs.christianpost.com/biblical-spirituality/is-alcohol-a-sin-or-a-disease-11125/ Is alcohol abuse a sin or a disease?]</ref>  Bible believing Christians commonly assert that the root cause of alcoholism is often spiritual/character issues and through the power of God these can be addressed. <ref>[http://m.blogs.christianpost.com/biblical-spirituality/is-alcohol-a-sin-or-a-disease-11125/ Is alcohol abuse a sin or a disease?]</ref>   

The Bible teaches that excess alcohol use is a [[sin]].<ref>[http://m.blogs.christianpost.com/biblical-spirituality/is-alcohol-a-sin-or-a-disease-11125/ Is alcohol abuse a sin or a disease?]</ref>  Bible believing Christians commonly assert that the root cause of alcoholism is often spiritual/character issues and through the power of God these can be addressed.<ref>[http://m.blogs.christianpost.com/biblical-spirituality/is-alcohol-a-sin-or-a-disease-11125/ Is alcohol abuse a sin or a disease?]</ref>   

Many troubled people turn to alcohol as a means to escape their personal problems rather than rely on the power of God.

Many troubled people turn to alcohol as a means to escape their personal problems rather than rely on the power of God.