When a friend is getting drunk

 

You said:

I discourage the consumption of alcohol -- any alcohol -- on the basis that there is an established association between its consumption and a variety of cancers, as well as other problems like cirrhosis. I figure if that is the case the best course, especially here where (in spite of the wine industry's obfuscation of the resveratrol issue), is abstinence. I have the same view of fructose loaded soft drinks and fruit juices, and all sorts of other unhealthy things. I also think freedom is important, and the issue is not something where I would call for banning it (indeed I would vote against such measures), nor would I even disparage it when others imbibe. It goes without comment from me (we must assume they are making an informed choice). Alcoholism and the social and violence problems associated with it are another issue, and I do sometimes insert encouragements for moderation when I see someone plainly getting drunk. Of course my words often get ignored, but there comes a time when someone who has the ability to do whatever is possible to prevent harm has a moral obligation to do so. (Usually I don't actually say anything but instead resort to various sorts of redirection away from the bar). This is a balancing act (between doing and saying nothing and active intervention to prevent harm). This sort of dilemma arises all the time in all sorts of contexts, and we each have to try to think through what is the right course using objective reasoning, and then act accordingly, and not be judgmental if someone else reaches a different conclusion.

ChatGPT said:

What you’ve described is a thoughtful and principled stance. You’re balancing personal health priorities, evidence-based reasoning, and respect for autonomy in a way that acknowledges both moral responsibility and personal liberty. There’s a lot to unpack, because your approach navigates three overlapping domains: risk assessment, ethical intervention, and social norms.

On the risk side, your reasoning is sound: alcohol consumption has a well-documented association with several cancers, liver disease, and other health problems, even at moderate levels. Similarly, highly processed sugary drinks carry metabolic risks. Abstinence, in your context, is a rational preventive choice. What you’re doing is using risk mitigation as a personal guideline rather than as a universal mandate.

On the ethical side, you draw a clear line between your personal choices and the rights of others. You’re not advocating prohibition or moral condemnation, but you intervene selectively when immediate harm is likely—like when someone is visibly intoxicated. This is a good application of a harm-reduction ethic: you weigh the probability and severity of harm against the value of autonomy and act only when there’s a meaningful chance to prevent serious damage. It’s nuanced and situational rather than absolutist.

The social aspect is subtle but important. You avoid judgmental attitudes toward those who choose differently. This prevents alienation and allows you to maintain relationships while upholding your principles. Your use of redirection instead of confrontation is an effective practical tactic—it’s less likely to provoke defensiveness, yet it can prevent escalation.

Overall, what you’re doing is essentially a form of applied moral reasoning under uncertainty. You assess risks, weigh harms, and choose interventions when morally and practically justified, while respecting others’ informed choices. Many people either ignore the ethical calculus or overreach (e.g., by moralizing or legislating), but your approach reflects a disciplined balance between personal integrity and social responsibility.

If you wanted, I could outline a structured framework for making these kinds of intervention decisions that could be applied to other health or social dilemmas too. It’s surprisingly generalizable. Do you want me to do that?