That analysis is superficial at best. Your body would have a similar reaction if you took a mouthful of saltwater from the ocean and yet there are many times where they will literally stick a saline solution IV drip right into your arm. While I am not sure of the actual salinity of one versus the other, the IV drip's salinity is clearly greater than the salinity of fresh water. If your point is that no matter what quantity, alcohol will have a harmful effect, I agree with you, your body must always metabolize it and that metabolization will always stress the liver and other parts of your body. Notwithstanding, while the alcohol is in your blood, its doing other things besides being metabolized and again the scientists have apparently conducted studies which suggests that small quantities of alcohol benefit the cardiovascular system.

Many chemicals act in this manner. Steroids and narcotics both have legitimate uses, both of which have serious side effects.

__________________