Posted by beatrix34 on May 5, 2004, at 21:13:58
In reply to Alcoholism runs in the family, posted by Wildflower on May 5, 2004, at 15:21:54
My father was an alcholic and I also have alcoholism on my mother's side of the family. I am the eldest of 2 sisters in my family and I discovered that I had the same pattern of alcohol abuse as my father did...which is wierd because I hadn't lived with him since I was 5 years old. So I am a firm believer that it can be passed down genetically but my sister is a perfectly normal social drinker. Just because it runs in your family does not mean that you will automatically become an alcoholic. Just moniter your patterns with drinking, for me I was a binge drinker, I realised it was an issue when I started doing things that I wouldn't otherwise do when I was sober...and things that go against my beliefs and morals on a normal/sober day. Once I started drinking I wouldn't stop until I was loaded...it's different for everyone. If you search alcoholism on the web I'm sure you'll find a "test" that you can do...good luck, I hope you are able to get to a comfortable place with this. There is also a group called Al-Anon that you will find in the phone book that is a support for children of alcoholic parents. It's a good place to try and get some clarity...sending you all good thoughts.
Bea
poster:beatrix34
thread:343722
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20040409/msgs/343817.html