Posted by Tony P on May 11, 2004, at 13:55:37
In reply to Alcoholism runs in the family, posted by Wildflower on May 5, 2004, at 15:21:54
My mother and father (probably) weren't alcoholics, but my sister (that's 2/4 siblings) and a cousin are, and my grandfather may have had been an alcoholic or had a related disease - he wound up his life as a recluse in a shack in Florida.
For some statistics, see my post of this date under:
"Re: Why AA doesn't always work..underlying pathology". The Genetic component is not a sign of doom - it is just a warning signal, many do not go on to develop active disease. It's like diabetes or heart disease in the family: be aware of the warning signs and the possibility of developing the active disease. Certain behaviours and mental attitudes are danger signals, as of course is heavy or frequent alcohol consumption.I don't have a particular book to recommend, but ther must be some good ones out there - look mostly for RECENT publictations, as knowledge of the disease has grown greatly in the last decade or so. One exception, Claude Steiner's "Disesase Alcoholics Play" (1970ish), is a classic of some family oriented alcoholic behaviour patterns - but don't believe him when he says abstinence is not necessary, just fix the behaviours.
Depression is a whole other question. I am "dually diagnosed" with depression and alcoholism; the prevailing wisdom is that they are separate diseases but interact almost inextricably. If I drink or use drugs, my depression becomes much worse; if I am very depressed. I am much more likely to turn to one of my sources of instant chemical "relief".
Tony
> I've been very afraid to confront this topic but I feel it's time I face the demon...
>
> Alcoholism runs in my family. My maternal grandfather was one and my mother is one but she hides it. I'm just worried that I'm predisposed to it especially in a depressed state.
>
> Does anyone have any personal stories they can share or a website that may help give me some statistics on this? I do not want to become one too but from what I understand, this may not be enough to keep me from falling into the family trap.
poster:Tony P
thread:343722
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20040409/msgs/345774.html