_______ is often portrayed as an innocuous drink. Although its immediate effects appear unremarkable compared to heroin or cocaine, its long-term effects are equally devastating.

Alcohol is often played off as an innocuous drink; although its immediate effects appear unremarkable compared to heroin or cocaine, its long-term effects are equally devastating.

Alcohol is commonly perceived as a socially acceptable substance, often overlooked in discussions about addiction. However, its insidious nature lies in its gradual, pervasive impact on physical and mental health over time.

While the initial euphoria may seem harmless, chronic alcohol consumption can lead to liver damage, cardiovascular issues, and neurological impairment. Moreover, it fuels addiction, tearing apart families and communities.

Compared to the immediate, dramatic effects of drugs like heroin or cocaine, alcohol's long-term consequences can be subtler but no less destructive. It's crucial to recognize and address the serious risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.