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.