I always sort of assumed that since we know stress is a major factor in health, that moderate drinking probably has an overall beneficial effect due to the stre

I always sort of assumed that since we know stress is a major factor in health, that moderate drinking probably has an overall beneficial effect due to the stress reduction, even if the physical effect of the alcohol itself is slightly negative. Like maybe you get a -2 modifier for consuming alcohol and a +5 modifier for stress reduction and so you end up ahead. Same goes for the likely added benefit to social interactions, unless you're drinking alone in the basement. Then again, I'm pretty far from a scientist so I'm just spit-balling here.