There’s no reason you can’t have a joyful life without alcohol. The biggest joys in life don’t directly correlate with it.

But, a good glass of wine with a nice meal adds something beautiful. The dinner parties where everyone is 3 glasses in produce some of the most memorable, happy, joyful conversations of my life.

There’s a reason that throughout history people always mention “moderation” with respect to alcohol. In moderation, it adds a unique pleasure to being alive. You don’t need it, but it’s nice to have.