Hi Clay
My family experience was similar to Carol's...I think only you can know your family and know the ramifications of telling them. I'm sure others with closer families will be along to share their stories
As I'm an alcoholic I'm not sure what book would best explain it to someone else, but I found 'Drinking a Love Story' by Caroline Knapp was very similar to my own experience in a lot of ways
welcome to SR Clay!
D