"Alcohol is a very patient drug. It will wait for the alcoholic to pick it up one more time"

This quote by Mercedes McCambridge highlights the insidious nature of alcohol as a drug. It is described as being "patient," implying that it is constantly present and awaiting the best chance to be taken in. This could be translated as a caution versus the addicting qualities of alcohol, as it is always there, appealing the alcoholic to select it up "one more time." The use of the word "patient" likewise recommends that alcohol is not a powerful or aggressive drug, but rather a subtle and persistent one. It is a tip that for those dealing with alcohol addiction, the temptation to drink will always exist, and it is up to the specific to withstand and break the cycle.