"Roughly 1 in 4 people die every year from this disease in this country"...so, according to how this was strangely worded, 25% of the population of the US dies each year? Dang, better rework our immigration policy-pronto!

Yes, sounds like an idea that will not work and non-alcohol brews really do lack the specific flavor of a real beer and particularly the variety of microbrew styles. But I do agree with MadMolecule about the social situation dilemma for one who recognizes their drinking problem but can't figure out how to handle a "party" situation. But I really do like a bubbling and refreshing scotch and soda and the flavor of it without the sweetness of most other drinks as well as weighing the lack of a buzz v. the addition of a hangover the next day as well as the extra caloric intake of sodas and even non-alcohol beers. I would be willing to give it a try and hope for the best or at least best as possible as at least there is a basic profile for the flavor of scotch though as a once devoted single malt drinker I know there are many variances there too.