Keltin, I read a long time ago, that we cannot store the calories from alcohol, so we burn them and store the calories from our food instead. That's why I could always drink my beer and still lose weight. But I never knew WHY. Thank you for the explanation!
One thing that hasn't been discussed here is that alcohol is one of the best pain relievers there is. Sure, it's hard on the liver, but tell me that the opium derivatives are not. I remember at one point, my addicted son-in-law's liver shut down completely from eating so many vicodins and perkasettes.
I deal with chronic pain from scholiosis, arthritis, degenerative disc disease and neuropathy, and the pain is especially bad in the evenings. I've found that a small glass of brandy, in addition to my beer, knocks the pain enough for me to get up and move around a little so I can help my husband fix supper, and/or entertain friends.
I was told recently by a doctor (neurologist) that four beers a day was enough to classify me as an alcoholic. (I knew better than to tell him about the brandy.) I told him I didn't care about classifications, that my lifestyle works for me, and that's what matters.