[beardedman]

I'm not sure why the UK has been on the drink-bashing train over the last few years, but why not address the "eating junk food to cope" issue first. IMO it's much more prolific in the western world (increasingly in the developing world) & is a much much much newer ailment than drinking. "drink to cope" - yes we've been doing this for the last 4k years.

[mettamage]

From my personal experience in my social circle, I agree. It's a tougher problem too than drinking, because food is everywhere.

[elseweather]

You have to eat something, but you don't have to drink. I've seen it described as: Imagine telling alcoholics to keep it under control, while still making them have 2-3 drinks a day!

[mettamage]

That's a good depiction of how diabolical this addiction is. I'm happy I don't have it, but I recognize this in others.

I wish I could help them. I've tried. And while I studied psychology, I'm not a psychotherapist.