[Shasown]

Originally Posted by WOMBAI

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!

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.