My A did this,,not with his parents but with others in his life,,
When he went to detox the first time, I was the one who called people. And I was very up front and honest
I found out afterward, that he did some "damage control" when he got out
Told everyone, I didn't like him to drink at ALL and he went to detox to "satisfy" me.
He at the time, was highly "functional" Though i hate that term, cause I didn't think he "functioned" to well, another story, another time.
I'm sorry your in a position where you have to "decipher' the truth. I felt bad for the people my A put in that position too
I refused to "argue" my case, because I knew, the progression of the disease is such, that hidding it wouldn't be an option anymore. Besides half of these people knew he was an alcoholic WAY before he did
My faith and patience proved itself to fuition. Unfortunatly.
He is known as the "town drunk" today,,,
Peace