Why do they drink synthehol in the Star Trek Universe?

Synthehol is a chemical variant of alcohol. It appears to have the same taste and smell as "real" alcohol to most individuals, but none of the intoxicating effects associated with alcohol. This being the case, why drink it?

Answer

Gene Roddenberry spoke about the benefits of Synthehol in an interview with CBS. Essentially, you get all the positives of alcohol consumption with none of the negatives:

"We have invented, for the bar-room, something called Synthenol [sic], which acts just the same as alcohol, makes you feel that you can be a lover, or wise, or all the things that alcohol does, but with the...it's only temporary. You, with a force of will, you can shove it aside and you're as sober as you ever were"

Commander Data gives us a pretty good overview of why Synthehol is seen as preferable to Alcohol in the TNG episode "Relics"

It is intoxicating but these effects can be 'easily dismissed' (by adrenalin, see below) if you need to return to duty.

It's non-toxic and non-addictive.

It looks, smells and tastes similar to alcohol, to all but a connoisseur.

SCOTT : Synthehol?

DATA : Yes. It is an alcohol substitute which is now normally served aboard starships. It simulates the appearance, smell, and taste of alcohol, but the intoxicating affects can be easily dismissed.

The Star Trek Encyclopedia entry on Synthehol seems to draw heavily from the same quote;

Synthehol

The semi-canon "Star Trek : The Starfleet Survival Guide" mentions that the effects of synthehol are 'neutralised' by adrenalin, therefore anyone thrust into a dangerous or life-threatening situation would become instantly sober:

"Synthehol, because it is easily neutralized by low volumes of natural adrenaline, poses far less risk to a patient."

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