This updated piece keeps the original account of childhood disrupted by a parent's drinking while adding modern context: addiction as a chronic brain disorder, current treatments (therapy, AA, Al-Anon, SMART Recovery, medications such as naltrexone/acamprosate/disulfiram), telehealth, and the realities of recovery and cross-addiction. It emphasizes family harm, reduced stigma, and that recovery requires ongoing personal commitment and support.

Growing up with alcohol in the home

I grew up with a father who drank constantly. I left home at 18 after years of hiding money, missing birthday parties, and living with daily arguments and the fear of his mood when he came home. As a child it felt like selfishness and a lack of control - hard to understand.

Learning and perspective

Training as a nurse helped. Learning about addiction, and simply getting older, changed how I saw it. Today addiction is usually described as a chronic brain disorder that affects a person's behavior and decision-making. That doesn't excuse harm, but it does help explain why people who love alcohol can keep drinking despite serious consequences.

Treatment options have improved

There is more help now than there was decades ago. Evidence-based options include counseling and behavioral therapies, mutual-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), family support groups like Al-Anon, and newer peer-support programs such as SMART Recovery. Several medications are approved to help reduce cravings or make drinking unpleasant - for example, naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram - and clinicians increasingly use a combination of medication and therapy. Telehealth and online recovery resources also make treatment more accessible.

Recovery is personal and ongoing

Recovery requires a personal commitment. In the past people often said someone had to "hit rock bottom" before getting help; today clinicians emphasize that change can start at any point. Many people stay in recovery lifelong and learn tools to manage cravings and triggers. Relapse can happen, but it is not a moral failure - it can be part of a chronic condition that needs ongoing care.

When one addiction becomes another

After my father stopped drinking (he's maintained long-term sobriety), he cycled through other compulsive behaviors like gambling and problematic prescription use. This pattern - sometimes called cross-addiction - and the idea of an "addictive personality" are recognized in clinical discussions: some people appear more prone to compulsive behaviors, and they may need tailored treatment that addresses multiple issues.

The toll on families

Alcohol use disorder damages relationships, finances, and physical safety, and it causes grief for family members. Families can benefit from education, therapy, and peer support. Reducing stigma and offering practical help - not just judgment - makes it easier for people to seek treatment and for families to heal.

What helped us

For our family, understanding, access to treatment, and ongoing support mattered most. My father's sobriety helped rebuild some trust, though recovery brought new challenges. Addiction changed our lives, but treatment and support made long-term recovery possible.

FAQs about Alcohol Addictions

Is alcoholism a choice or a disease?
Modern research treats alcohol use disorder as a chronic brain disorder influenced by genetics, environment, and behavior. That doesn't remove personal responsibility for actions, but it helps explain why stopping can be difficult and why medical and psychological treatments help.
Do people have to "hit rock bottom" to get sober?
No. While some people start recovery after a crisis, many seek help earlier. Clinicians encourage treatment at any stage; earlier intervention usually improves outcomes.
What treatments are available today?
Effective approaches include behavioral therapies, mutual-help groups (AA), family programs (Al-Anon), SMART Recovery, and FDA-approved medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. Telehealth and online supports have expanded access.
Can someone replace one addiction with another?
Yes. Cross-addiction or shifting compulsive behaviors can occur. Treatment should assess and address all problematic behaviors, not just alcohol use.
How can families get support?
Families benefit from education, counseling, and peer-support groups like Al-Anon. Setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and accessing community resources are practical steps toward healing.