h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have been involved with the study of booze for many years both drinking it and not drinking it. As all my life has been spent in one small area I have seen the following and know them to be true.
Not all heavy drinkers are alcoholics, but many of them do die an alcoholic death. Car crashes , choking on their own vomit and 'wet brain' for instance.
Most alcoholics I have met have a parent who drinks or drank to excess (Inherited gene?).
Most alcoholics are addicted to other things as well. Drugs food and sex being some of them. Most alcoholics do recover and live good lives if they have some spiritual base for their lives. Not necessarily a religion which is a different kettle of fish entirely.
Alcoholics are better at helping each other recover than any number of doctors or councellors.
Cutting down on drinking is O.K. for drunks, but alcoholics just cannot do it. One drink and the addiction flares up.
Most people who deny alcoholism as a disease are in fact drinking too much thenselves. This is only my experience after working with alcoholics for nearly thirty years. I have seen many people die as a result of their drinking, it is not a condition to be cavalier about.
Kif