#1  
Old 01-Jan-2008, 10:37
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Default be it addiction to alcohol, drugs, or food

I came across a unidentifiable sentence, and it drives me crazy!

The sentence is as follows:
Many people who suffer from addiction - be it addiction to alcohol, drugs, or food - experience their first relief when they can share their pain with others and feel that they have been truly heard.

What I want to know is just the part in red. The meaning it conveys is very simple, and I can get it. But the word order, especially about 'be it', I don't think it's necessary, or it surely conveys something that I don't know of. And maybe It's not just like giving some additional information.

Please help me!!!
  #2  
Old 01-Jan-2008, 15:38
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Default Re: be it addiction to alcohol, drugs, or food

It is another way of say "whether it is". Its use is stylistic.
  #3  
Old 01-Jan-2008, 16:06
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Default Re: be it addiction to alcohol, drugs, or food

Thanks a lot, Anglika!!

You are always very generous to respond kindly!

Your brief answer helped me a lot!
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