Believe it or not, a recent 2007 Gallup pole reports that 36% of Americans abstain from alcohol all together. 

These people cite a variety of reasons for the choice not to consume alcohol.  Some of them are religious beliefs, health issues, cost, and overall distaste; however, it is a personal choice for each of them.  Not drinking is a decision that has great impact on their life. 

Did you know... that even the moderate drinkers, drinking for heart disease prevention, show reduced brain volume? According to a study in the Archives of Neurology, the more alcohol consumed, the smaller the brain volume, with abstainers having a higher brain volume than former drinkers, light drinkers (one to seven drinks per week), moderate drinkers (eight to 14 drinks per week), and heavy drinkers (14 or more drinks per week). 

It looks like non-drinkers really are the smart ones!

For more information visit: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/diet.fitness/10/14/healthmag.alcohol.brain.shrinkage/index.html; http://www.gallup.com/tag/alcohol.aspx