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

I signed up to this site ages ago but then made some dramatic changes in my life, walked out of a good job and found myself in exile from cyberspace. While I have been gone I have been out trying to find who I really want to be and how to get there. I have spent the last year trying to save my relationship and my sanity which was not possible while trying to continue with a career as well... something had to give and I feel a little like my public life has been on hold while I deal with my personal life.

I have been reading one of the guide entries on Smoking today, as the last entry was in May I don't feel inclined to add to the thread but I do want to comment on the Smoking v Drinking debate. There are many people (non smokers no doubt) who have been commenting on how smoking is more detrimental to others health where drinking doesn't effect others in the same way. To those I only have one thing to say... try living with an alcoholic for a while and let me know if you revise your opinion.

My whole life has changed as a result of my partners increased need to use alcohol as a crutch to support him through his own life issues. He is unable to stop because his denial is so great he cannot see any problem. I have joined a support group to help the friends and family of drinkers (do they have those for families of smokers?) and I am currently in councelling in an attempt to put my life back together after the devastating effect alcohol has had on it.

Alcohol may well be the catalyst to end my ten year relationship (it has taken 3 years to tear it apart to the sad and sorry state it's in today). Oh yeah, he smokes too but I don't notice that with the anguish the drinking causes!

But the real point to this is it took me 2 years before I even realised the effect he was having on me - and this was a quick realisation in the great scheme of things. There are people out there whose lives are being destroyed by alcohol and to have to sit there and listen to people making excuses for alcohol can be infuriating!

Alcohol and tobacco are both drugs which have detrimental effects on both the users and those around them. To my mind the bottom line is 'everything in moderation'!

Traveller in Time on top
"Do not be shy to reply, some conversations span over years. If you have something (decent & on the topic) to say feel free ! This Guide is not only an encyclopedia style Guide, also the conversations are part of it.

Glad to hear you did not lose everything , well it could have been worse.

Not theat I suggest you should contribute or read but I think this is a conversation you will enjoy < <./>T279281</.> >. "