I was a recreational drinker
I was a recreational drinker for decades. When I made my big commitment to getting in shape a year ago, I cut out all alcohol. People can argue its benefits ad nauseum, but in my opinion and based on observations of my ow health, I now believe that other than whatever pleasurable feelings people perceive that they get from drinking, alcohol has no positives--only negatives.
in the last year, I've lost 65 pounds, my blood pressure went from dangers to healthy, my energy levels have soared, and I enjoy life much more. There are factors other than abstinence, of course, but I have no doubt that it is one of the major ones.
Alcohol is poison. Pregnant women are better off shooting heroin and snorting coke than drinking alcohol (FAR better off). It makes some people belligerent, others dangerous, and turns some good people into addicts. There are many who can drink with seemingly no ill effects, but I would argue that it's like saying there are those who can bang their heads on a brick wall with no ill effects, but that doesn't mean it's a good thing to do.
Of course, I'm not saying all drinking is evil and that everyone must stop. I'm just presenting arguments from my own experience. Abstaining from alcohol cannot hurt, it can help in many ways, and if you can do it, good for you.