A Family History of Addiction


Alcoholism or alcohol-use disorder is considered by many people to be a hereditary trait. Some scientific studies suggest that there is a gene for alcoholism. Some scientists and psychologists are convinced that addictive behaviors are traced back to early childhood trauma, neglect, and the effect that both have on our developing brain. Others suggest that addiction is based primarily on the use of substances designed to addict. If you drink often enough you will become addicted. No matter what your family history of addiction.

My 19-year-old daughter is getting ready to leave for University. She came home from a full-on day recently and had a sort of exhausted, on the verge of tears, look about her. The kind of look that only comes after a day that started in the wee hours and rolled relentlessly on with issue after issue needing attention. It was a very adult sort of day and a little voice in the back of my mind almost jumped out and offered her a glass of wine. An adult solution to the stress of life.

That would be a normal reaction for many people and certainly, it would have been for me five years ago, but I stopped drinking when my daughter was 15. One of the many reasons that I stopped drinking and stayed stopped was that I finally accepted that, in my behavior every day, I was teaching my kids that wine was the solution to all of life’s ups and downs. If they never saw me wind down in the evening without a drink how would they learn a different way to be. Coming from a family with a history of addiction that was the only solution that I had learned.

I made a choice to rewrite the narrative in my family by finally modeling behavior that did not include drinking.

There are many stories. Each of us is responsible ultimately for evolving our own. These are some of the stories of the legacy of alcohol addiction through generations that our community has shared. If you’re drinking too much too often come join us and evolve the future that you want for yourself and your family. It is in your hands. Rethink the Drink.

Un-Drowning – Rising Up From a Legacy of Alcohol Addiction
My mom was a great lady.  Fiercely independent, she could stretch my …
Shattering the Toxic Cycle of Alcohol Abuse
When I was drinking, I pretty much did whatever I wanted and …
Glamorous and Cool
My beautiful AuntieSo glamorous and coolWherever she went guys noticed and drooledBut …
I Love You Daddy
Mornings are quiet Uncomfortably soBut afternoon drinksthey start the show By evening, the …
Family Legacy
When did the party cease to be?Fun times,laughs,friends with me There came a …
This is Us – Families, Addiction and the Legacy of Shame
Have you ever watched the show This is Us ? Itโ€™s a …
The Hungry Ghost : Evolving Away from Childhood Pain
Like some of you, I have a difficult time knowing when to …
I am Whole Again
It is the end of a year. On January 7, 2018 I …

Beat the Binge Drinking Routine !

If you are drinking too much too often and want to take a breakโ€ฆ

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โ€œWhen you quit drinking you stop waiting.โ€

โ€• Caroline Knapp, Drinking: A Love Story

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