The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
I am surrounded by alcoholism in my family on both my Moms and Dads side. Neither of my parents are alcoholics, but their parents where, as are some of their siblings.
I only have a few cousons, and none of us drink, by choice, we saw too much growing up and most of us decided it wasn't worth teh risk to us. The strange part is that two of my cousins did drink, one became an alcoholic and the other was addicted to drugs. They both ended up committing suicide within a few years of each other.
My family is only one family, but there is a lot of proof in genetics. I have spoken to my children and will continue to do so as the younger ones get older. Just like I want them aware of medical conditions and allergies (I am highly allergic to Pennicillan, as is my sister and our Dad, all my children have been tested and as of yet show no sign of the allergy, since they can develope, the Dr's choose not to give it to them) I want them to be aware that alcoholism can be hereditary and they have the history on my side as well as their Dad being an alcoholic.
To me, this means that you have to look out for it, not that you WILL get it. So many alcoholics seem to start drinking because it is the only way that they can feel good about themselves. If you learn better ways, (like coming here!) it's like you are innoculating yourself with an anti alcohololic vaccine. It's a lot like having cancer or heart disease in your family - it just means that you have to be aware of the risks, and live your life in such a way that you reduce those risks.
My own kids are teenagers, and we have talked about this a lot. I'm not telling them to never drink, but to wait until they are a little older, and to be aware that they have the genetic predisposition, and also that they are vulnerable because of the scars of growing up in this crazy family. So far, they agree with me.
Alcoholism runs in my family. Both my grandfathers were alcoholic. My parents were not, however I can see the affects of alcoholism on them and my growing up years after I came into alanon at 23. I am not an alcoholic, but my husband is. I truly believe that because of this program and the gifts I have been given and talking openly with my children and why I come to meetings I am doing the best I can to make them aware of this disease and just how far reaching it is. Only thier HP knows what is to be in the future. I am going to focus on the now and encourage them to find healthy ways to cope.
Thanks for the information. Knowledge is helpful.
Much Love,
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"Today's problems can not be solved if we still think the way we did when we created them" -Albert Einstein
