as I was reading that I came to the same conclusion as you. In my late teens and early 20s I drank a lot. The reason why I stopped was because I moved and changed my group of 'friends'. I dread to think where I'd be today if I hadn't

I agree somewhat with Anji here. When I was a youngster, I was allowed sips of wine every now and then, in the company of an adult. During my college years, I drank socially with friends. I did the "drink all night at the campus party" thing, same as all the others. The truth is, none of us (me, or my friends from school) have problems with alcohol abuse today. I cannot speak for my friends, however, I personally have been very careful with the use of alcohol because I have alcoholism running rampant in both sides of my family. Having said this, I agree with Anji in that, young kids begin doing things in their circles of friends, for whatever reasons, without giving much thought to their family history or other such important issues. When they start young, it is all about them and their friends. They are infallible (in their minds) and they are "just hanging out and havin' a good time". Sometimes I think that "hangin' out" thing turns on these kids before they even know what hits them. So many things play in to why some people become addicted to alcohol or cigarettes, or other drugs; it is difficult, to say the least. I do believe, however, the younger a person is when "habits" begin, the harder they are to break. You know I mean addiction when I say habits. Hugs to ya' Bill

Trace: Well said. Our family's alchohol problems were in the future then, I wonder how I would have acted if I'd have known.