ANST - Annoying the chemically defendent

j'lynn yeates jyeates at bga.com
Fri May 1 10:14:18 PDT 1998


On  1 May 98 at 0:20, Dennis and/or Dory Grace wrote:

> ... I'm also well aware that a frightening percentage of people who
> drink are subject to some level of chemical dependency. 

and it's also important to realize that in a large measure these 
dependencies (and potentials to these dependencies) are gentically 
linked and ties to your culture.  

in my case i come from two gene line that would seem to have a
statistically significant tendency to such dependencies - northern
european keltoi and amerind (though i think latter has strong social
basis .... a proud and defeated peoples who are forced to live in a
fading culture .. for a good take on this in anotehr similar culture,
checkourt _Once Were Warriors_ about the modern Maori and their
social problems)  

additionally, from observation i would say that both my parents are 
certifiable alchoholics and i have seen how i can use alchohol as a 
shield and solace ... so i monitor my consumtion *very* closely and 
have strong pre-defined limits .... especially since so much of my 
life is bound up in two-wheel realities (harley-cynn)

> I think the odds are that most anyone who gets riled up and
> defensive about drinking are an intervention case waiting to happen.
> That's a pretty broad generalization I realize, but I could also
> say--with some temerity, I'm sure--the same thing about most anyone
> who gets riled up and defensive about being able to physically
> settle differences with their spouses, or most anyone who gets riled
> up and defensive about smoking. Just something to think about.

here's a good exercise that i imposed on myself when i realized that 
i was drinking too much, for all the wrong reasons and started to 
worry that there was a real problem ... without changing your social 
patterns or friend circles, simply choose to totally *stop* drinking 
for a significant pre-determined period of time.  i choose 6 months 
between two gatherings as good start/stop period.  during this 
period closely monitor your thoughts and reactions, keep a journal of 
these thoughts ... at the end of the period evaluate the changes in 
your life.  

in my case, i was able to put it down and walk away so there really
was no problem.  came out of it healthier, in better shape mentally 
and physically, and since have lost the "taste" for regular "end of 
day wind-down" drinks"  

sadly i've lost too many people who were important to me to the 
drugs over the years (entering my forth decade) ... primarily 
alchohol (one of the most insidious because it is accepted, 
tolerated, and so deeply woven into the fabric of our culture), 
would hate to lose any more.  

the roster of those in my circles who have died on the roads over 
the years (two and four wheelers) deeply saddens me and i'll be one 
of the first to haul someone home who dosn't need to be driving (or 
disable their vehicle if stubborn).  

all the friends are reminded that they have carte-blanche to call me
if they don't have cab-fare and i'll get out of bed, pick them up,
and deliver them safely home (and they're going to either buy me a
good meal later or help me out at some point .... have a major
work-credit portfolio owed me ... and it's time to start 
working on the house again (grin).  

point is, i try to watch after my cynn and take care of them when
they are impaired in any way ... and expect them to do the same for 
self when necessary)

'wolf 
... a strong believer in self-redaction and usually the designated 
guardian / minder

... carpe ichthae
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