I used to have to fake it and say--everythings ok...even when I had a cast on my arm..Now I do not--haven;t for over a year--I tell the neighbors-all the family etc..I have found it is better to have everything out in the open-YES MY SON IS AN ALCOHOLIC---I have found most of my friends family and neighbors are very compassionate--they all share about the A in their familes or life--haven't met anyone yet who hasn't had one in their family....If someone has a problem with it-too bad--I don't really need them around then,,,,