I was told if you have a same sex parent who was an alcoholic you have over a 50 percent chance of being one too. I'm 18 years old, and I like to drink. I would in no way call myself an alcoholic (at this point) but I fear of someday becoming one, and then never being able to drink again. My mother is an ex-alcoholic and now can't enjoy a few cocktails, or have a glass of champaign at a wedding, and I don't want to turn into that someday. If anyone has any advise about why, or explanations on how people turn into alcoholics please help me...is there a reason why people like to drink?

when I look at all the alcoholics in my family their were a lot. You'll talk to a lot of people who are addicts and they have two main reasons for using. One is to feel, and the other is not to feel. Me, im a delfinite "not to feel" You cant figure out one of the two. There are no explanations on why people turn to alcohol. Could be hiding from emotions, could be their only way to have fun, or maybe just in the genes like you say. If there was a know reason, we'd be able to catch it ahead of time right? If you feel you're at danger then dont drink. Why do you have to. Liquor is all displaced calories and sugar. Why do you want that? Mkes you fat and your gums rot. Plus you're only 18!, quite drinking! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wink.gif

I am under the impression that it is hereditery. Even though my dad was not---his dad and one brother are---and violent. I grew up thinking that being able to drink large amounts of booze was a symbol of being a man--I guess. I could walk into any bar or liquor store at 16 without being asked for ID. By 19 I was well on my way to being a violent drunk. I was arrested for impaired driving at age 23--and quit the day after. I lost many "friends" and felt out of place at parties or events---this took me years to get over. The funny thing is--even 10 years after quitting---some people still remember every bad thing I did while impaired.
I think I inherited the addictive gene as everything I do is addictive behavior---I drink a pop in 5 minutes---cigarettes-the same thing.
If you can go out and have one or two drinks and stop---without having to drink to be someone you aren't sober--you will probably make out allright. Just watch how your friends act when they get drunk at a party. That was what helped me keep from drinking after I stopped. Now a beer tastes bad---think I had to learn to like it---like smoking.

Thank you for your advice, and I agree I need to think more about why I 'm drinking. It's just hard being in college, and that seems like the only thing everyone wants to do. I guess this is when it becomes an issue of being an individual, which is something I probably need to grow up and do...

It's a scientific fact that alcoholism/addiction is a genetic disease. I've never heard of the same sex/50% stat you talk of . . . but it does run rampant in some families. Good luck to you . . . sounds like you know you may be predisposed to it and are being careful.

I have heard that before and believe it to be true. I often wonder if it's the same with ALL addictions???
My mother was a pill addict and while growing up I would swear I'd never be like her and here I am. I also wonder about my kids...their father and both of his parents AND grandparents were full blown alcoholics. My ex is also very abusive (menatlly and physically) and MEAN. My oldest son will be 18 next month...his Senior year...on football...thinks he's going on 30 http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif I know he drinks when he goes out with friends, but they do seem to be responsible about it. When they do drink, they stay at someone's house, the designated driver doesn't drink, and the know their limit (more sense than I had at his age..lol http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif ) But I do remind him often to take a look at BOTH sides of his family and where drinking has gotten them/us.

AP . . . alcoholism or addiction . . . same disease. It's just that some people choose to drink, some choose to pop pills, some choose to inject, some choose to smoke their drug, etc. etc. etc. It's all the same disease.

AP- My mother also pops pills and smokes marijuana, and pretty much everyone in my family smokes weed (including myself unfortuneately) This may sound kind of stupid, but I never thought about these habits I might someday pass on to my children. Does anyone know if I quit now, at the age of 18, if in the future it might not affect my children how my mother's addictions effected me?

Hi Jessica! I think it's pretty great you are aware of a possible problem, so that in itself will hopefully keep you in the right direction. At the meetings I went to I did hear about if one parent is an addict their children had a certain percent of the becoming an addict as well, for some reason I thought it was 40% but not real sure now. My mom, and two older brothers are all addicted to pain pills are still are having major problems with it all. Good luck to you and don't let your guard down with turning to alcohol.