This is how it was explained to me:
My sons have the disease of addiction/alcoholism - probably the genetic kind since there are zillions of alcoholics in our family.
So nothing I did or didn't do could make them alcoholics - or keep them from becoming one. When they picked up the first substance, the disease was activated and off they went.
One sober son (with a sober wife) - both in recovery 20+ years - are now looking at their fifth grader who seems to be starting down the path (we start young in my family). What my son said was that they are looking at this with their eyes open - getting him some counseling - letting him know it is unacceptable in their home - doing what people in recovery do. It makes them sad - but he said he would rather them have this disease than cancer. He's been to meetings with them and knows the deal.
Remember the 3 Cs.
Love in recovery,
Jody Hepler
