I HAVE read with much interest the comments over recent weeks in the BEN regarding the dangers and misuse of alcohol. Ignoring hard drugs, if we deal with the two main habits of the masses in comparison -- cigarettes and alcohol -- we have two very different approaches by the Government.

Cigarettes basically destroy only the life of the individual, have never yet failed to have a revenue increase in any Budget, are not allowed to be advertised on TV and carry enough warnings on the packet to tell of the dangers to health.

Now take alcohol, which, for the last five Budgets, has not incurred any extra revenue -- not that I'm suggesting that increasing the price of anything would solve anything.

For any government to suggest that cigarette price increases are to discourage smoking is pure hypocrisy.

But have you ever seen any kind of warning on a bottle or can of beer suggesting perhaps that, while the makers hope you enjoy this beverage, if taken to excess it could cost you your marriage, your wife, your children, your home, your job, your driving licence, your self esteem and your friends who require someone reliable?

Believe me, as a recovering alcoholic who was given six months to live if I carried on, I know only too well what you can lose. Whether you drink in high spirits or deep depression, it can be a downward spiral that becomes hard to break.

Much has been said by the police that a lot of trouble in drink comes from the young.

Is it any wonder, when the breweries seem to cater for little else with an easy accessible new AlcoPop-type drink coming out almost weekly?

I think the BEN is right. it does need someone to study the availability and effects of alcohol before it gets too late for some people like myself.

(name and address supplied) I HAVE read with much interest the comments over recent weeks in the BEN regarding the dangers and misuse of alcohol.

Ignoring hard drugs, if we deal with the two main habits of the masses in comparison -- cigarettes and alcohol -- we have two very different approaches by the Government.

Cigarettes basically destroy only the life of the individual, have never yet failed to have a revenue increase in any Budget, are not allowed to be advertised on TV and carry enough warnings on the packet to tell of the dangers to health.

Now take alcohol, which, for the last five Budgets, has not incurred any extra revenue -- not that I'm suggesting that increasing the price of anything would solve anything.

For any government to suggest that cigarette price increases are to discourage smoking is pure hypocrisy.

But have you ever seen any kind of warning on a bottle or can of beer suggesting perhaps that, while the makers hope you enjoy this beverage, if taken to excess it could cost you your marriage, your wife, your children, your home, your job, your driving licence, your self esteem and your friends who require someone reliable?

Believe me, as a recovering alcoholic who was given six months to live if I carried on, I know only too well what you can lose. Whether you drink in high spirits or deep depression, it can be a downward spiral that becomes hard to break.

Much has been said by the police that a lot of trouble in drink comes from the young.

Is it any wonder, when the breweries seem to cater for little else with an easy accessible new AlcoPop-type drink coming out almost weekly?

I think the BEN is right. it does need someone to study the availability and effects of alcohol before it gets too late for some people like myself.

(name and address supplied)