On Thursday 08 Nov 2001 11:36 am, Barber, Kenneth L. wrote: > > i guess i am worried about my friends because of my family. i have > a few, the closest being my younger brother. he went into alcohol > rehab last week. i am going over today to see after a few things > with my mother. my younger brother is the only one who is not a > christian. when my dad died in july we all turned to god for > stength. he turned to more alcohol. > so if i seem a little sensative to the issue, you know why. and i > do get concerned for you guys and your problems. i am concerned > even when i do not express it. Personally, I don't think alchohol is a "bad thing". Practically anything can be abused, and at that point becomes bad for you. I was once banned from a surgical ward (visiting a friend) for causing too much laughter - risk of wounds breaking open - obviously a case of humour abuse!! Is alchohol addictive at the chemical level (the way nicotine is)? I didn't think it was (thinks: alchohol patches!!). Sure you can believe you (can cope with life/forget problems/have courage) with a couple of belters inside you, and become "addicted" to this thought process and the way it makes you feel. I don't drink at home (wife and elder kids do) without a meal, i.e. no tumbler of whiskey, or a beer, watching TV. If I fancy a drink I go out (either the local with Lin, or after work in London with workmates). Cheers Deri