yes, there are manny merits to matts position. but it is as you say bobby. i have went to chirpractors that claimed they could cure cancer. we all know that is bs. on the other hand, i wish i could get an adjustment on a regular basis to fit my budget. that is another thing, medical insurance incouragege the drug first mentaility for everyone. if something other than drugs or sergery is sugested then you are on your own. the insurance companies will not pay. amazingly they will pay thousands for surgery, but not a few hundred for a pair of ortho shoes to prevent the need for surgery. i think this is multiplied for disability folks because many do not work full time and depend on the services that are paid by insurance or by the agencies that they deal with. but, i don't agree that a few beers to self medicate is better than all other drugs. might be better than many, might not be as good as others. but, if it works for him and over the years he remains in control, then "go for it, matt." -----Original Message----- From: Bobby G. Greer, Ph. D. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2001 4:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Drugs.... I do not want to take sides here, but Matt's view has some merit for the disabled community. I take way too many meds between cp, a heart condition and old age!! I once heard and excellent orthopedic surgeon explain it this. People with chronic conditions, in a certain way, represent failures to medicine because they can not cure us. Therefore, they go out of their way to make us comfortable. He said flatly, "I can't cure paralysis, but I can damn sure cure pain!" Very few physicians are as candid about this as this man was. But if my blood pressure is too high, if I am coughing my head off, or I am in pain; I will swallow a pill or two or take a shot. Transindental meditation just doesn't to it for me. (BTW, I have never tried a back adjustment so I speak out of ignorance there!) Bobby >Yes, Alcohol is a drug! However, that stuff is much safer than crazy >haldol or baclofen or whatever. My point is why do disabled people let >the medics dope them up with far more dangerous substances than booze >Sheep going to slaughter comes to mind here. >