Welcome,
I too grew up with an alcoholic father and I feel as tho I was forced to move out at 18. My dad was and still is a very charming individual, as are most alcoholics.
Let me let you in on a little secret. You are at risk for repeating a similar relationship in your adult years. I married 2 alcoholics and my son is an alcoholic. That is why I would recommend learning about the family aspects of addiction. Alanon is a good place to start, ACOA is too. There is alot of reading out there at your bookstores and at the library.
Also as you begin to learn perhaps you could share with your mother. It sounds like you are close.
Hugs,
JT