I have a slightly different opinion. Although we have all seen damage from alcohol, it is not the substance itself that is universally bad. Just last night I enjoyed a great glass of red wine with my linguini pasta and I do so at least once or twice a week. Many of you probably do (or did), too.
Cars cause lots of damage, too, but it is not the cars that are inherently dangerous, it how we use them. My ex used sudafed, prescription drugs, whipped cream cans, anything he could get his hands on for his high - it was his him, not the sudafed that was a problem.
(Please don't take my syrah from me!!)