DAILY DOZEN: I'LL DRINK TO THAT

Gallop has released a poll showing that alcohol consumption in the U.S. is at its highest rate in 25 years. Are we trying to medicate ourselves through these rough times. To draw a correlation, there was a time when the level of alcohol use was rising in the former Soviet Union. I hope we having sunk to that level.

In many cases, moderate alcohol use has some health benefit, as you will read below. I have included links to four books (see 9-12 below) to help you reap those rewards. However, if you're having an issue with alcohol or any drug - GET HELP NOW! I think we have all seen alcohol or drugs ruin or cost the life of a loved one. If you need help, or know someone who does, and you don't know where to turn, drop me an email. I will do my best to point you in the right direction.

1. Americans drinking alcohol hits 25-year high: More U.S. adults drink now than since 1985, says poll. [New York Daily News]
2. The More Money We Make, the More We Drink. [Newser]
3. U.S. drinking rate edges up slightly to 25-year high. [Gallop]
4. View methodology, full question results, and trend data for the Gallop Poll on the U.S. drinking rate (PDF). [Gallop]

5. French study finds moderate wine drinkers have healthier hearts ... and minds. [New York Daily News]
6. Study finds alcohol may fight rheumatoid arthritis. [Helium]
7. Stroke risk higher in hour after 'Happy Hour'. [WebMD]
8. Drink every day to live longer and be smarter. [The Stir]

9. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wine Basics (Book). [by Tara Q. Thomas]
10. The beer lover's rating guide (Book). [by Robert Klein]
11. The Complete Book of Spirits: A Guide to Their History, Production, and Enjoyment (Book). [by Anthony Dias Blue]
12. The New York bartender's guide: 1,300 alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink recipes for the professional and the home (Book). [by Sally Ann Berk]