ArtFriend

And how they died so young. To wit:

Father - 45 (alcohol induced heart attack)

Uncle - 58 (cirrhosis)

Brother - 61 (not yet, but he has one foot in the grave)

Step-father - 53 (bleeding out)

Step-brother - 28 (drowned while drunk)

3 Cousins -
* 44 (hung himself after drinking)
* 25 (drunk car wreck)
* 48 (heart failure)

Many friends/acquaintances

And I drink/drank because ????????????????????

Soberwolf

Sounds like my family


sorry artfriend we dont have to be like that we can do this friend

DoubleDragons

I am now using the alcoholics in my life as a huge motivation to stay sober. I wish I had tried that sooner, but hey, I am writing a new ending. My life is not going to end as a tragedy.

ArtFriend

Right!! We can and will do this!

ArtFriend

love this! Rock on!

Serenidad

That's terrible Art! This disease is evil! I've also lost many friends and family members to alcoholism. So so terribly sad. I don't want to die from this disease. I pray...just for another 24 hours....that I have a chance! And pray for you too!!!

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Anna

ArtFriend, I am sorry you've had so many losses due to addiction.

But, you have the chance to make a change in your family. The pattern does not have to continue and you can be the one to make a difference in your family.

ArtFriend

It is sobering (no pun intended) when you see the carnage in black and white.

Ironically... my grandfather was an alcoholic who lived until he was 86! I think he was an anomaly.

Fiona630

Good motivation there Art. I need to make my own list. Its amazing what alcohol will do to a persons body and mind. Besides people we know what about celebrities and what alcohol and drugs have done to them. So sad.

ArtFriend

Thank you Anna. I am trying like hell to get out of the family pattern! Seems like I know how to get out of the maze and then I run into a road block.

Still trying though!

Hobbers

In some ways, I wish I had more excuses to drink than I do (no heavy drinkers/alcies in my immediately family whatsoever).

On the other hand, I am sooo glad it is just me.

ArtFriend

One day I actually looked up celebrities who died from addiction. It is staggering! We are so worried about ebola when drugs and alcohol are the real killers!

And then there is the collateral damage done to the loved ones left behind too.

SoberLeigh

Together we can change the tide!!!!!

Soberpotamus

My grandfather is now in his 80s as well. He quit around age 40. My mother wasn't quite so fortunate. She died from it. Took a drug overdose.

Both grandfathers were alcoholic. As well as a few aunts and uncles. Great-grandfather, great-grandmother, etc. Alcoholism on both sides of my family.

I create my own destiny though We each have that choice.

ArtFriend

Yes ma'am! Glad to have this support.

Stang

Looks like my friends list! I'm the only one in my family to my knowledge but my mother was adopted so I can't be too sure about her side.

anattaboy

Yup, I've got 2 brothers. One who nobody thought would get sober and another who is seeking more pain.