Hi,

I appreciate your comments. Lets take 'em one at a time. Hypeeabid.Drugs and alcohol may not be fun and funny and do hurt others.

Jon, 1. Female alcoholics are also capable of abuse. Husbands and children. 2. Congratulations, Jon. You are apparently a responsible person. You have the guts to call yourself an alcoholic and are working on it. You have my admiration.

3. Alcoholic addiction is a state of mind. It can manifest whether you are drinking or not. It is generally associated with hostility, hence the comment about my talking through my "arse". I know more about it than you give me credit for.

4. I'll take your word for it.

5. Again, I know more about it than you give me credit for. I know that alcoholics are not necessarilly irresponsible all the time. But their responsibility rests with their sobriety. When you tell me that you are responsible to an audience, I take your word for it. but I stand by my statement.

6. Sorry Jon, I don't buy the "hardened alcoholic" statement.

8. Usta' be there. Used stuff. Total waste. "What am I on?" sounds like a hostile statement.

Re: liquor industry and organized crime, I don't believe that this requires too much explanation.

Tobacco and alcohol are addictive substances. For an alcoholic, there is no such thing as a little drink being good for them.

One thing I have noticed, however, that the alcoholic is adamant about defending his/her position until they make an important breakthrough.

Jeri, your point is well-taken about generalizations. I agree. Sanctimonius pronouncements are futile. On the other hand, making excuses for an alcoholic is also a disease.

Alison, helping people is fine. But making excuses is another thing that is not helpful. But encouragement to people like Jon who are trying to do something about it is helpful. It's far more hurtful to make excuses.

I agree with John. AA is a wonderful organization. I have been to meetings and have seen the great things that they do.

Frank