I have alcoholism in my family (father and brother) so it's something I'm all too familiar with.   

I tend to think as Andrea does that it's a predisposition for the most part with some people having a higher tendency toward addiction than others.  I think if a person is finding that they 'need' a drink rather than feeling as though they'd like to 'enjoy' a drink they may want to reconsider the role of alcohol in their life.  Sometimes I suppose we all feel as though we need a drink much the same as we feel we need an aspirin or whatever.  It's when there becomes a dependence upon it that I'd start to give it some serious thought. 

Personally, I enjoy a glass of wine, maybe two in the evening but no more than that.  For one thing...I can't stand a headache in the morning which follows me for most of the next day if I drink too much.  Also, I'm fearful of what I've already seen in my family and we don't need another casuality.

Kevin g

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