Final answer:
Individuals who choose not to consume alcohol avoid the potential health risks, including diseases and social disruptions, associated with its consumption. They do not experience hangovers and align with the perspectives of temperance movements that advocate for moderation or abstinence due to alcohol's potential societal impact. So, the correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals who decide to not drink alcoholic beverages do not face potential health risks associated with alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption, especially in excess, can lead to a range of negative health outcomes including lack of coordination, blurred vision, increased risk of cancers, liver diseases like cirrhosis, memory loss, and even contribute to family and social disruptions. Those who abstain from drinking avoid these risks and also do not experience hangovers, which are a direct result of consuming too much alcohol.
While it is true that moderate alcohol consumption may have some benefits, such as a potentially longer lifespan compared to those who abstain, the negative consequences of heavy drinking often outweigh the positives. The immediate effects of alcohol depend on the individual's blood alcohol concentration (BAC), which can vary based on factors like age, sex, and health conditions. It's important to note that these effects can include euphoria at low doses and sedation at higher doses, with possible deterioration in reaction time, visual acuity, and behavioral control.
Abstinence from alcohol also aligns with the opinions of movements such as temperance, which calls for moderation or complete avoidance of alcohol due to its potential to undermine societal morals and contribute to a range of social problems. Therefore, choosing not to consume alcohol precludes individuals from both the potential social incentives and the negative health implications.
So, the correct answer is option a.