Alcohol is one of the most seductive drugs available to us: it makes us feel relaxed, confident and content, although we may know we are none of those things. While heavy drinkers may be concerned about their habit, social and moderate drinkers may not wish to give up but may want to cut down or ensure that their drinking does not get out of hand. This sympathetic and authoritative book gives readers advice on how to assess whether they have a drinking problem and, if so, what to do about it. By examining the reasons why people drink and exploding the myths surrounding alcoholism, Beechy Colclough, himself a reformed alcoholic, suggests ways drinkers can change their attitudes and habits in order to move on.

2007-03-29 A very rigid approach

I agree with the other reviews in that the author seems to have a very black and white view of drinking. I don't agree that people are born alcoholics, abusing alcohol is a negative habit that people get into during their lives for various reasons.

For those who want to cut down the amount they drink without giving up alcohol I recommend 'The Drink Less Mind Shift' and Allan Carr's 'The Easy Way to Control Alcohol', both of which recognise the shades of grey in between the heavy drinker and the teetotaller. Lots of people suceed in changing their drinking habits, I don't agree that the world is divided into 'normal drinkers' and alcoholics - it's far too simplistic a view.