Years ago we didn't talk about having an alcoholic in the family, the same way we hid our handicapped and kept out mentally ill relatives in the cellar. There was such a stigma and shame to it all. It's different these days. Kids know about things and they can become educated about these illnesses. We can talk and are encourged to talk about them. I would talk about the disease. I'd get them into some meetings if need be. I wouldn't hide this from them or make excuses for it. They need to be able to be included in the plan of care. More and more I think that the family needs to step up early on to get themselves educated. That way when they intervene or act on their own behalf, they are confident.