Something that I have realized in both being a child, and having children of my own is:
Children use the behavior of their parents to justify the deficiencies in their own behavior. I have decided to never admit, or talk about this problem with my children until (maybe) they are at least 25 years old.
I am far enough removed now, from my alcoholism that it is not a part of my every day life, so it is easy for me. In my opinion, some things are best kept unknown to our children. I do not want to give my children any excuses that might justify destructive behavior.
This situation is, of course, not the best solution for everyone and every situation. But, I think that this is a good course of action for families that have been able to keep the problem somewhat under control to the point where it was not blatantly obvious.