Theoretically it starts as a choice. At what point does the choice disappear though? Should we condem somebody for being of "weak character" and being unable to kick the habit or accept help? And what hope of curing such a person if the original cause still exists?

Both Keith and Kevin's slide can be traced to original "causes". Keith's was being passed over at work (he was a superb oil trader but had one bad year) - that blew his self-esteem to smithereens, and combined with his inability to have children just tore him apart: Nothing to leave behind, no fame no fortune, no family.

Kevin's was more commonplace: Wife left him, won custody of the kids, two sons and a daughter that he adored - almost pathologically - and moved abroad, so his access was severely limited. And then he became redundant at work.

Both "Keith" and "Kevin" are songs, by the way. I have not included them in any of my albums, and I never sing them in clubs, as they are too "dark" for my usual audiences. But I have a private recording of them; PM me with your address if you are interested in a copy.