Is the Buzz Worth the Consequences?
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
by David Rollert
Cost-benefit analysis is an important skill that most of us use in every part of life. When looking for a job we ask, “Is the expected income worth the time and stress?” When considering a large purchase, we ask, “Is this item worth the money it will cost?” When considering dessert, we ask “Is the taste worth the calories?” When deciding if we will travel in the snow we ask, “Is my reason for getting out today worth the chance of a car accident?” We do cost-benefit analysis all the time without even realizing it.
When it comes to the subject of drug and alcohol use, we should do the same cost-benefit analysis. The hard part of doing that analysis in this area is that drugs and alcohol are addictive and rewire your brain to see them as more important than anything else. So, let’s break the cost-benefit analysis down together.
The main reasons people cite for using drugs and alcohol are relaxation and/or stress relief, the feeling of being buzzed, and various health benefits.
These are some of the supposed benefits, but are the costs worth it? A major cost to consider is the addictive nature of drugs and alcohol. They quickly create dependency such that people feel they NEED them to survive and addiction takes hold.
On top of this is the fact that drugs and alcohol impair the ability to make rational decisions. Proverbs 20:1 states, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” Simply put, people make bad decisions when under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Some of these bad decisions may simply be embarrassing, like drunk-texting an ex. But some of these bad decisions may be life changing, such as drunk driving.
Another cost to consider is the health aspect. When taken in medicinally small doses prescribed by a medical professional, some of these substances may have some short-term benefits. However, when taken in unprescribed or recreational amounts, they cause serious, long-term harm in addition to short-term pain. Drugs and alcohol have been shown to kill brain cells, cause liver damage, and more. Proverbs 23:29-30 says, “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine.” Drugs and alcohol have negative effects on health, both short-term and long-term.
Finally, a person is more likely to cause harm to themselves and others when intoxicated. Consider the person who abuses their spouse or kids when drunk, the one who falls down stairs when high, or one who verbally assaults strangers when inebriated. The examples could go on and on. Romans 13:10 tells us, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfillment of the law.” Thus, drug use and alcohol use are not loving, and the costs far outweigh the “supposed benefits.”
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