I think the cravings for alcohol are cravings for what alcohol substitutes for in your life. If you think about the things that are critically important to you, maybe not always, maybe not for all moments, but eventually and continually, there is a connection.

When alcohol substitutes for things like society, love, relaxation, how can it not be compelling, addicting?

Maybe the solution is to plug those holes, the holes that alcohol otherwise fills.

Consider the 12 step programs: are they not trying to get you to satisfy certain fundamental needs: spirituality, generativity, humility?

Alcohol acts as a universal solvent: Tired? a drink. Lonely? a drink. Depressed? a drink.

With a substance that solves, at least for the nonce, so many problems, is it any wonder it is so ubiquitous in so many lives?

What other substance is such a panacea? Aspirin? Hardly!

In a society that demands immediate attention to so many things, it is unlikely that alcohol will disappear anytime soon.

Life, for most, even with modern conveniences, is well short of satisfying.

Exhaustion, ennui and frustration are enough to keep the spring of alcohol flowing.

The solution to the problem may be similar to the solution to violence and terrorism in the world: People think less about taking their own lives or the lives of others when their own lives are more fulfilling, more meaningful.

Not sure about any of those things, but I know that…… having a quick drink will at least make me feel better about them.