Many people think not drinking is "all you need". I see people who do manage to set down the drink but think smoking pot will be OK and helps them. Other people, I noticed, turn to sugar and gain 50 lbs "as long as I'm not drinking". Addiction is addictions is addiction. That sums up one point of view. If a person's behavior is based on cravings, ignores health and social consequences and feeds itself, there is a problem
One point of view supports the idea that compulsive exercise, smoking, food or gambling are not as bad as drinking because it is more socially acceptable or will not kill you as fast. The opposite view is that any addiction has threatening consequences to health, life style, occupation and relationships needs to be addressed. I have a friend who has been sober a long time but refused to stop eating sugar. This friend is dying of diabetes. This is very sad to me.
One point of view supports the idea that compulsive exercise, smoking, food or gambling are not as bad as drinking because it is more socially acceptable or will not kill you as fast. The opposite view is that any addiction has threatening consequences to health, life style, occupation and relationships needs to be addressed. I have a friend who has been sober a long time but refused to stop eating sugar. This friend is dying of diabetes. This is very sad to me.