Alcoholism runs in my maternal grandfather's side of the family, so my mom had two brothers who were alcoholics - one died of old age, poor, but content to have lived life on his own terms. The other committed suicide from the effects it had on his life and for other very serious problems from WWII. My brother has struggled with it for years, but has been sober for quite a while now. My son, poor boy, got a double whammy from his paternal grandfather and my side, and has been struggling with it. He has lost a great deal including two homes, a long-term relationship, and his vehicle which leaves him in a precarious state work-wise.

In the case of our family, it has always struck the men.

AA worked for my son, but he did not like it and stopped going each time. Ditto with my brother. The way it goes is: admit a problem or be forced to go there by law after being in the drunk tank overnight; go, make a few friends, notice some things that are helpful, go a few more times, get your first token etc. Miss a meeting or two, rationalise why you don't need to worry about it, you're fine. Stop going altogether. Meet up with a friend or have a shitty day at work, get depressed for whatever reason and tell yourself "I can have just a couple." It's a slippery slope from there on.

It is good you have recognised there is a problem. (Funny how docs can get us to focus with a few scary words, isn't it?)I wish you all the best. Looks like you will have access to some great helpers right here in Mudville. May it carry over for you into your 3D life.

kat