SIR - In the main I sympathise and agree with Shellie Rainbow's letter (T&A, October 20) concerning the availability of certain drugs for those suffering Alzheimer's disease but would like to take issue with her on one point.

Please don't judge all those with alcohol and drug-related problems as no-hopers and a waste of public funding.

Alcoholism is a difficult and debilitating affliction which I fully concede may be self-induced to begin with, but often spirals out of control and may offer no way back for the sufferer who is deprived of help and support.

Until recently I had a serious drink problem, consuming at least one bottle of spirits per day. I made the decision to stop and suffered the inevitable consequences of my self-abuse. The symptoms were far from pleasant.

Having taken the decision to stop, I visited my GP who prescribed limited medication to help with my withdrawal and rehabilitation. The course of tablets lasted for just one week but the help and support was much appreciated.

I understand fully the dilemma S Rainbow is facing and in an ideal world there would be unlimited funding for all, but please don't assume that all the money spent on treating alcoholism is wasted.

Paul Collins, Brookfield Road, Bradford