> I wonder how Nutt can still suggest, in good conscience, that we should still drink (within limits).
Because moderate alcohol consumption is safe and enjoyable! That is the only reason necessary. Inevitably alcohol abuse leads to prohibitionism or at least teetotalism with very little regard to the virtue of moderation.
Nothing is absolutely safe and therefore everything including doing nothing is a risk factor for death to some degree. Moderate alcohol consumption as a risk factor is far out-weighed by other enjoyable and laudable pursuits that are generally considered safe e.g. driving, mountain biking etc. So it’s great to drink moderately just like it’s good to occasionally smoke a cigar if you enjoy it. Practice the virtue of moderation and enjoy life!
Because moderate alcohol consumption is safe and enjoyable! That is the only reason necessary. Inevitably alcohol abuse leads to prohibitionism or at least teetotalism with very little regard to the virtue of moderation.