It sounds like you may be heading in the direction of postmodernism, and/or post-Marxist Critical Theory

I certainly hope not.

My intent isn't to devolve into some sort of bastardized nihilism, it's to inject skepticism into anything that I can be bothered to think about.

I find it useful as a tool for critical analysis. To question a premise, to poke at the facts, especially the inarguable, indisputable ones.

There seems to be an inverse relationship between the accuracy of a fact and the amount of trouble you get in for questioning it.

It’s no more alchemical than the fact that it apparently arises from a skull of leaky salt membranes.

But it also doesn’t mean that they are addicted, or that the social drinkers are just fine.

What evidence do you have for this? Along with the environmental devastation and the obscene cruelty of factory farming, the overwhelmingly negative health effects of meat and dairy consumption are the third pillar in the triumvirate of reasons to go vegan, or at the very least to limit and reduce consumption of animal products. For example, the World Health Organization classifies processed meats (bacon, salami etc) as group 1 carcinogens, meaning they are known to cause cancer. Processed meats may be the worst, but the health impacts of other meats and dairy products aren't a whole lot better. Combine those facts with the plethora of meat substitutes and plant-based dining options now available, and plant-based diets are increasingly becoming an easy and obvious choice.