Thanks Tazman - i know i am indeed very fortunate to have parents who can understand and give me the necessary advice. You're right i am closer to my parents thanks to recovery.
I'm sorry a lot of your family do no understand the concept of recovering from alcoholism - i have many friends (and some family members too) who just don't get it. I don't know if they ever will either, but another thing i learnt from the relapse is i shouldn't let their opinions influence me. I just have to accept they won't get it- but as long as know i'm an alcoholic and need to recover in AA (this is just my experience) i'll be ok.