Originally Posted by
PistachioCake 
Does alcohol really come first? Does an alcoholic still love his/her family? I can't imagine treating my family the way he has treated us. Does permanent damage to the brain occur?
Yes - alcohol does come first for some, even above family and even when they still love you at times. It's unimaginable but unfortunately true for some. Brain damage can occur from prolonged abuse, but it's the addiction causing the behavior you describe.