Posted by paulk on May 29, 2001, at 22:00:33
In reply to Re: Codeine for Depression Treatment » Elizabeth, posted by shelliR on May 29, 2001, at 21:26:43
> > Alcohol is an organic solvent -- I consider it to be more of a toxin than a drug! It's very "dirty." It's more dangerous than just about any medication or recreational drug I can think of that is used today, except maybe inhalants (industrial solvents in paint thinner and such that some people think are a good high) and some antineoplastics.
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> Elizabeth, I'm a bit confused on this one. Are you talking about alcohol as a toxin when used as an antidepressant, or are you talking about a glass of wine with dinner?In such a low dose it won't likely hurt you - but neither would many industrial solvents.
>I find it hard to believe that you could be talking about occasional drinking as dangerous and one step before the toxicity of paint thinners.
Ethanol IS used as a bipolar solvent and has been used as paint thinner.
>For some people alcohol (probably genetically predispositioned) can be extremely toxic;
One glass of wine make my wife quite sick allergic reaction well known to Asians.
>in general though, I can't somehow understand your thinking about it as a toxin.
There is the well known medical emergency called alcohol poisoning where teenagers proving their macho drink themselves dead. One bottle of vodka can do it. Ask your local ER doctor about it. Alcohol IS a toxin in doses 200% higher than your glass of wine.
>Alcohol in moderation was been part of religious ceremonies for centuries,
Just because a drug is socially acceptable does not change its toxicity alcohol is more dangerous than many drugs we send people to years of jail time for. Opiate addicts can drive safely, and if they have pure medical grade supplies do little more than cause constipation. An alcohol addict is damaging their brain and liver and a danger to those around them.
>and certainly appears not to have taken a large toll on the European population.
Hmmm Have you ever looked at the traffic fatalities due to drunk drivers? Seems like a large toll to me. Do you know that over half the hospital population consists of alcoholics? Im down on alcohol a drunk crippled my grandmother in a car accident. A different drunk paralyzed my best friend in high school. A drunk robbed me at gunpoint. When I was in treatment for depression I met many who had destroyed their life and the lives of their families with their legal drug. I had an occasional beer when I was younger never had a problem with it I dont drink at all know because it might set a bad example to someone who does have a problem.
poster:paulk
thread:64320
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010522/msgs/64671.html