Alcoholism

[diannescruffy]

I just don't want his life to be ruined by alcohol and I pray so hard non of our children have inherited these genes.

Regards,
Dianne

[Aussiegirl777]

My Mum was an alcoholic. She passed away 2 years ago this November - her death was because she was an alcoholic.

My Dad is also an alcoholic.

I grew up in a not very nice environment. I don't drink very much at all but I do have the occasional drink. In my 40 years of life I have been drunk/sick/hungover only a couple of times.

I don't know what to tell you to assist you helping your Son understand the dangers of alcoholism. Mind you the 'addiction' can manifest itself in other ways as well - gambling, eating, sex addiction etc. I think that all teens will experiment with alcohol and most people can remember their first drunk experience....I guess it's just a matter of being open and honest with him. Don't force opinions down his throat. If he is responsible in other areas of his life and shows good common sense in general you may just have one less thing to worry about.

[Cherished]

I'm another one here who doesn't think your son is doomed just because alcoholism runs in your family Everyone is their own person. My grandfather was an alcoholic, he died when I was 2, how can that really effect my drinking behaviour? I think even if there is some little gene that may sway people towards a liking to alcohol kids will be more influenced by their own parents behaviour and those friends that they are closest to. I think empowering your kids with leadership resources and giving them confidence will go a long way in those social environments where alcohol is there. Lets face it you can't keep teenagers away from it so that's the next best thing. Other factors like out of school/work activities such as sports or hobbies also goes a long way to keeping kids focused on a healthy lifestyle rather than drinking themselves into a mess every weekend.

[Blixie]

I think even if there is some little gene that may sway people towards a liking to alcohol kids will be more influenced by their own parents behaviour and those friends that they are closest to.

While i think you have a point i just want to say that some people with family history of alcoholism and "the gene" do have an extremely addictive nature (and not necessarily to alcohol as Aussiegirl777 pointed out) . So may not be able to stop themselves or be able to moderate their drinking like others can... If that makes sense? I'm not very good with words but i'm trying lol I'm not saying that they pick up a drink and BAM they're an alcoholic but for some it only takes a few occasions where they are drinking and they feel they "need" it. It's not something to be taken lightly like so many young people do.

[diannescruffy]

Thanks Jessey, you said that so well. Don't get me wrong, I don't think he will definately have a problem with alcohol but with the family history I have that fear. We have always been open with the children, they know why we don't have alcohol in the house and the reason behind it. DH has been awesome today, talking to DS calmly, he's handled it very well. It's hard to explain, the fear I have, I'm probably just sounding like an over protective mum.

Regards,
Dianne

[diannescruffy]

Cherished1 the reason I posted in this section is because alcoholism is a disease, it's not a "little gene", it's a true gene that can be passed on, just like any other medical condition that runs in families. This is why I'm concerned and taking it seriously.

Regards,
Dianne

[Cherished]

Dianne I'm not suggesting you take it lightly. Far out, sometimes it's not worth offering any advice or an opinion on BB just to be attacked. I was trying to offer you some comfort that your ds probably wont turn into an alcoholic! I don't think I will bother in the future.