Winehouse Death Reminds Us Alcohol Still a Drug

COMMENTARY | Although many people suspected Amy Winehouse's life might come to an early and tragic end, much of the speculation referred to drugs, not alcohol. There is no denying that drugs are dangerous, but alcohol is one of those drugs -- a legal and potentially lethal drug as well.

Tony Bennett recorded a duet with Winehouse just months before her death. During his appearance on "The Daily Show," Bennett told host Jon Stewart that Winehouse knew she was in trouble. He stated that "she knew she wasn't going to live, and it was the alcohol and not the drugs," according to TheWrap.

Winehouse's death is a tragedy any way you look at it. Bennett has compared her to one of the world's great singers, following in the tradition of Dinah Washington.

Rumors began flying as soon as Winehouse was found dead in her London home, but when toxicology reports were released it was only alcohol that was found in her body, and not a trace of drugs.

It may be shocking to some that a drink that is legal can also cause so much death and ravage so many lives. But alcohol has been used, as well as misused, for centuries. There are documents of its usage going back to the beginnings of human history, and both beer and wine were even served up to the Gods in ancient times.

There are also accounts warning alcohol users to drink only in moderation, and the harmful effects were likely causing the same problems we see today. Whether legal or illegal,as in Prohibition, alcohol will continue to be a beverage of choice for many.

We can't forget that this choice can lead to deadly implications and be as dangerous as shooting a needle filled with heroin into your arm, at least for some. Alcohol has incredible power over so many lives. As parents, we need to teach our children that this is a legal drug and not something to be foolishly undertaken without thought for consequences.

Send your kids onto the road of life armed with knowledge and hope they will not travel down the same destructive path Winehouse recklessly chose.