I think they can be symptoms of a psychological problem. I had a cousin who was anorexic as a teenager and then went on to be an alcoholic.

If you have made a judgement many deem to be unfair, on something I have seen first-hand and how it affects them, I will obviously take it personally.

I'll give you a little example Julia. 4 siblings, all did reasonably well in their lives, with no history of alcoholism with relation to their father, mother or grandparents and yet 3 of them are already dead from alcohol related illnesses and the other is still a heavy drinker. That spells illness to me.

I appreciate your reasonable response Niamhxo!

I know it is an emotive subject - but all I know is, for instance, many alcoholics make their families' lives a misery - and they are pre-occupied with their own needs! And yes I agree that for many there are underlying psychological problems - sometimes environmental problems - but I can't help but think some just selfishly abuse alcohol - and then expect help and understanding when the inevitable happens! I simply don't agree that all alcoholics are victims!

There is also a body of research that has identified a genetic predisposition to anorexia/bulimia. I find it incredible that some people are so dismissive of these serious illnesses which have quite a high mortality rate. To call such sufferers "needy" is incredibly unfeeling. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME) is now recognised as a serious chronic condition and to call sufferers "lazy" who are suffering from this is crass to say the least.

I doubt that anyone would want to suffer from an illness that is as debilitating as anorexia or ME, just in order to gain attention, especially as such attention, judging by some of the comments on this thread, are derogatory and unsympathetic.

It is also well known now that some people do have an addictive personality disorder which predisposes their addiction to alcohol/drugs/food/cigarettes etc, and there, but for the grace of god, go you or I.

I think you're right, it's like everything else no situation is ever the same and rarly black and white. I do believe my cousin had psychological issues, she came from a very good family and was highly intelligent, she was a dentist. But I do think in some cases you're absolutely right

:thumbs:

Of course there will be a certain amount of selfishness in it, there is in all cases of addiction. You know its bad for you and you want to stop, however wanting to stop wont cure the psychological and physiological symptoms of the addiction.

In order to become an addict you have to start using whatever you become addicted to, however thats not to say people decide deliberately to become addicted, most addicts dont realise they are addicted till they realise they have little or no control over it. So in a way yes they are selfish.

Obvously there will be people who during the time of their addiction and treatment are selfish, some will be weak and give in all too easily.

However prior to condemning them, people should try walking in their shoes for a while.

I tend to agree this.

Whilst I agree with some of what you say - there is an awful lot of help out there for people today - but so many just don't want to know! We know when we discharge them from the ward - they will go straight to the nearest pub - and probably be re-admitted - it is so frustrating!

That's why it's called the Demon drink. It grabs a hold of some people and never lets go.

That's what addiction is!

Liken it to an OCD trait. Does the man with OCD NEED to flick the light switch four times? Absoloutely not. And nobody is forcing him to. But the help he needs to not do it is unbelievable.

If nobody wishes to be soldiers, who is going to protect this country?

I really admire people who can express their opinion regardless right or wrong.



Wombai

I think you have had enough for this topic tonight at least.

Please visit "Easy listening music". I left a peaceful music "Zen Garden" for you. Enjoy :)

Yep that is true. I know that from personal experience, however, they understand it is self destructive, yet still follow that trend countless times in some cases.

Obviously some just dont care but there are also those who really cant help themselves.

I think you missed the point. I wasn't suggesting let's all stop being soldiers.

In an ideal world, nobody would need protecting from anything. I think soldiers should stay at home until a real threat emerges, not go to an illegal war nudged in by the Yanks. But that's a whole different topic :wink:.

Got it.

I used to be addicted to Topics, a hazelnut in every bite, not now though and is it just my mouth got bigger or did the bars get smaller?

[QUOTE=Shasown;3240315]I used to be addicted to Topics, a hazelnut in every bite, not now though and is it just my mouth got bigger or did the bars get smaller?[/QUOTE]

Do you want an honest answer? :hugesmile:

[QUOTE=WOMBAI;3240416]PMSL Of course I wouldnt have asked if I didnt I very rarely do rhetorical questions. :wink:

[QUOTE=Shasown;3240972]I know! I for one usually like your answers! Always well informed and usually well balanced! :wink:

At least alcoholism and anorexia are not illnesses cooked up by charlatans like ME is.