Should smokers and binge drinkers be charged for using the NHS?

[Howlin Mad Missy]

miles,

should anorexics be treated on the NHS?
should depressed people be treated or just be told to snap out of it?

I think anorexia is a more complicated problem than the habitual drinker who gets drunk to oblivion 3 nights a week with his friends. Anorexics aren't costing the taxpayer 3 billion pounds a year and you can sympathise with their condition. It's difficult to sympathise with the habitual binge drinker. I don't regard myself as sick and I wouldn't expect anyone else to either. I regard binge drinking as more a social problem rather than a medical condition. Two nights a week is my limit and no more than half a dozen beers these days. To an extent I regulate myself and think other drinkers should too. To not do so is a bit silly.

In terms of depression, I think people should have access to medicine and pay towards it, but it's a relatively common condition. To an extent I do think people with depression should try to sort it out themselves, but if they want medicine then they should take it. Personally, I would choose not to. Life is what it is and you just have to deal with it, but that's my approach and am not suggesting that is right for everyone.

you mentioned obese people not being treated so I countered with anorexia. Both in my opinion are mental health issues and not just about someone being greedy or someone having a sulk and not eating.

in many instances people can help themselves but they have to have the tools and motivation to do it.

Miles, I think you'd like this book. Takes a really interesting view of some of the issues you raise and that others are bringing.

The Rainbow Machine by Andrew T. Austin