IT may beggar Colette Douglas Home's belief that science cannot find a cure for alcoholism, but what really beggars belief is that she thinks it could ("We must fight the plague of alcoholism which besets our society", The Herald, November 18).
There is a drug used to treat alcoholism by reacting to the alcohol with unpleasant effects. It works as long as the drinker is determined to avoid drink, but many alcoholics on the drug have given in to their cravings just the same.
Other drugs, which relieve anxiety, can potentially lead to another addiction.
No magic pill or, as Ms Douglas Home puts it, "chemical compound that will prevent our brains getting hooked", is the answer to the stress, anxiety, inadequacy, boredom, loneliness, depression and frustration that are the causes. People need to feel good about themselves, feel loved, feel happy with their lives and have something to look forward to.
I will not pretend to offer an easy solution, but a pill or chemical to allow us to drink all we like without becoming addicted is a fantasy, like a love philtre.
Jeff Fallow,
1 Brown's Buildings,
Leven Road,
Windygates,
Fife.
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