As an ACOA, I can completely relate. My dad’s alcoholism made him unpredictable and verbally abusive. Not the shouting so much, but constant insults and derogatory remarks. He always provided for us and had a steady job until retirement, but I have no idea how he didn’t kill himself or others during his lifetime because he was constantly inebriated behind the wheel.

It’s unfortunate that alcohol is such a pivotal ingredient in what many people see as a good time, a successful party, a social event, or a way to relax. I’d never tell my friends to stop drinking, and I’m able to have an occasional alcoholic beverage, but it’s so rare that I actually bother to have one that I’m always thankful I can take it or leave it. I’m also thankful that almost all my friends who do drink are not the type to get drunk.

Even so, alcohol is so ingrained as a necessity in our society that it’s almost impossible to give it the negative attention it deserves, in the same way narcotics or smoking are treated.