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Originally Posted by SacTown Chronic
But are the increased odds due to genetics or is it because they watched mom and dad slug down the booze day after day and they know no other way?
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Well, I have a little experience in this catagory and in this question in particular.
The odds of becoming an addict are stronger if it is in your genes, according to the many counselors we've 'chatted' with. In this family, in particular, the Indian issue comes into play but we won't go there as I don't know enough to substantiate it.
Another issue that we dealt with was depression and that perhaps in the past the 'alcoholics' were actually depressed people who self medicated.
I think, from what I have experienced in my own life, showing the kids that you don't drink or that you drink in moderation and keep your standards up in as many areas as possible {honesty,working, etc.} when/if they do start to drink and maybe start to become addicted, they are less likely to just say 'There is nothing wrong with this'. I don't know that having parents drink around you increases your chances but it lowers your resistance and sometimes your ability to see right from wrong. And your ability to pull yourself out of the addiction if the people around you aren't trying or don't see a reason to try.