What are some risk of alcohol and the benefits of avoidance

Drinking alcohol in moderation carry some benefits.  Apart from keeping our minds sharp, it is also good for lowering cholesterol levels.  However, as time passes by, some alcohol drinkers tend to become dependent until they become excessive chronic drinkers.  Alcoholics' major problem is the destruction of their liver.  People must not totally avoid alcohol in their daily lives because it carries certain advantages but they must also shun from being hooked on it in order to avoid chronic illnesses involving the heart, liver, and kidneys, among other major body organs.