Hi Mike,
 MF>        Right.  Researchers are also finding brain anomalies in
 MF> various        kinds of mental disease, and as a result some people
 MF> are saying        mental disease is caused by chemical imbalances
 MF> in the brain,        ignoring glaring evidence that trauma preceded
 MF> the onset of the        illness.  Time Magazine had a special fall
 MF> issue on health, and        with regard to mental health started
 MF> with questioning whether        mental illness is psychological and
 MF> saying the causes seem to        be chemical.  Then in the story
 MF> itself, in every case, they        described how trauma brought on
 MF> the diseases (and then        described the brain changes).
It has long been known that chemical imbalances in the brain cause mental 
illness. The evidence for this is overwhelming. Trauma can precipitate 
illness too, and even cause it, this again is well established.
 MF>        I don't knoow what the prevailing theory is today, but it
 MF> has        long been thought that most alcoholics weren't born that
 MF> way,        that they developed a dependence on alcohol, which
 MF> gradually        turned into a physical need for alcohol.  Many
 MF> alcoholics        describe this metabolic difference you mention as
 MF> coming on        gradually over a period of years.  It's quite
 MF> common for an        alcoholic to start his/her drinking career
 MF> with a hollow leg,        and years later find himself/herself
 MF> getting high on just one        or two drinks.
Yes this is true, anyone drinking enough for a long enough period will become 
alcoholic.
                Internet: johnvick@wbhealth.co.nz 
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