Speaking from the perspective as the eldest son who is not addicted, my parents fear of reflection upon themselves shielded the consequences of my brother's addiction from being cast fully into the light... and I believe there is enough 'shady' in addiction that I don't need to provide it more 'shade'/protection because it only keeps the light from penetrating the dense darkness.
So in the words of the of the immortal philosopher, Forest Gump, "That's all I have to say about that."
Many Blessings,
Shaman