... I just wanted to add ... the reason I am asking this is I'm trying to perhaps get some sort of understanding as to why people can be so down right mean. I seem to get more than my fair share of mean people in my life. If I can figure out some of the signs and symptoms of a substance abuse problem (casual or chronic), it might help me to understand these people better and interact with them in a more productive way.

Perhaps some of you who are going through a substance abuse problem can tell me what you've notice about yourself that has changed from your former sober self. What have you notice in your friends and family that have a substance abuse problem? How have they changed?

Your insight will be helpful to me.

Thank you