There are many drugs with many different properties. Some are medicinal, some are addictive, some are illegal, etc. They all effect people in varying negative a

There are many drugs with many different properties. Some are medicinal, some are addictive, some are illegal, etc. They all effect people in varying negative and positive ways. The word "drugs" typically has a negative connotation since people tend to use the term "drugs" to refer to "illegal drugs". You don't really hear people calling "medicinal drugs" just "drugs"; well at least in everyday conversation. Legal drugs are usually pushed by huge corporations with big budgets. They have heavy marketing and a lot of advertising that manipulates public opinion. All of this advertising of course portrays the "drug" in a positive way. You don't ever hear the word "drug" used in alcohol or pharmaceutical commercials. Also, whenever a study comes out saying anything good about alcohol the media picks it up since that's what people like to hear. I'm not sure I've ever seen the news feature a study on the negative effects of alcohol. Another reason the media may focus on positive stories is that big alcohol is such a huge customer. Any advertisement mentioning illegal drugs portrays them in a negative way since they are put out by groups that are against the drug since you can't promote a product that's illegal. So in conclusion, it's because alcohol is legal and the loads of advertising that give people such a positive view of alcohol.