Hiya Barry,

Great post on alcoholism.

I know someone (alright, it’s a family member) who surprised everyone and gave up the demon a few years ago.

At 40+ years of age, he actually grew out of his alcoholism! Well, he met a woman, stopped being such a prick (pardon the language) and decided that drink would cost him the woman, so he gave it up. He went to AA, but he’s the kinda fella who probably could have stopped himself anyway. He just decided to take no chances.

Knowing him, i’d have to agree with your theory. He might have been chemically dependent on the beer in the end, but he certainly wasn’t when he started out.

Certain people are probably pre-disposed to addiction. But i’m always reminded of an anti-heroin ad that used to be on television back in the 80s. The junkie in the ad says something along the lines of “You start out trying it just for fun. But in the end, you’re doing it just to feel normal.”

Perhaps the alcoholism trail is similar. No one takes their first sip and is instantly addicted. But they end up drinking so much, so often that their bodies eventually become dependent on it.

Easy for anyone to pontificate on this subject though. I guess only those who’ve been there can speak with full authority.