Anonymous asked this question on 4/6/2000:

You're an expert on being depressed,not on relieving that depression. People on this site are looking for answers to help them, not commiseration...they can get that from a bartender...who by the way,I'm sure you'd consider an expert on alcoholism since he pours the drinks.

ampito gave this response on 4/15/2000:

If the bartender had received training as an alcoholism counselor, (s)he might be an expert in alcoholism. If (s)he were an average person who has taken a course in mixing drinks, I agree, that person would not be an expert on alcoholism. Many of the people who are experts in this forum are trained professionals who enjoy what we do so much that we are willing to share our expertize for free. I have seen profiles of people who are psychotherapists and social workers as well as myself who has been a psychiatric nurse for over 21 years. While there are people who are experts on this site who are able to relate simply because they have been there, even they can help by telling others what has worked for them. It may not work for everyone, but it may work for the person who wrote the question. Don't paint us all with the same brush. We all want to help or we wouldn't spend so much time answering questions to the best of our abilities.

The average rating for this answer is 3.

Anonymous rated this answer a 3.

I agree with you,this wasn't directed at the entire panel. I've read some of your previous answers. I disagree with much of what you say,but it is only one opinion.