What's up with this alcohol thing?

In my local neighbourhood recently I saw a hotel building that had been revamped ready for business again but there was no indication as to what the new venture would be. There was shopping trolleys out the front so I automatically presumed it would be a mini super market or something to that effect. 2 weeks later I saw it had opened as a discount liquor store outlet. The car park was full and a steady trickle of people coming in and out with purchases.

What is my point? Why can a new shop instantly create a mild sense of hysteria selling alcohol and yet a gym which is a mini version of a discount liquor store except the product is health, fitness and wellness not have that mini hysteria effect? The only reasoning I can put it down to is the sensation and release alcohol gives the user. But exercise and activity can offer the same effects just not as quickly. Maybe it is the huge marketing dollars the alcohol industry spends but again the Government, the media and the fitness industry itself also spends big dollars on marketing and actually gets lots of free publicity. So I can only put it down to the fact that alcohol is a quick fix release that people perceive will take them away from their troubles and create happiness for them.

Now please don't judge me as a wowser as I enjoy a drink, in moderation of course, as much as anyone. But it was just something that made my little brain start working overtime. And I also don't begrudge operators from making money out of selling alcohol. But what is the attraction?

I want to leave you with a pitch and a plea for your health and wellbeing. Please try and get as passionate about your health and wellbeing as the masses and maybe you get about alcohol. Remember these important points.

1. Physical activity stimulates your feel good hormones and can give you the feeling of euphoria afterwards without the hangover
2. Physical activity will improve your performance and will be cheaper in the long run. If you add up health compared to medical complications, accident costs etc as a result of excess alcohol consumption.
3. You will look and feel better in the real world rather than looking and feeling invincible in an alcohol fueled haze.

Something to think about and I would love to hear your views. Maybe I am way off the mark here and don't mind being told so.