My dad was a drunk, a staggering lush who alienated every person he knew...

[brewens]

30. I had a great dad that was a "drinking man". There was always booze and beer

in the house. He probably drank something almost every day of his life. I remember fishing beers out of the cooler for him going down the road on fishing trips. I don't remember a single bad incident over his drinking though. My brother, sister and I remember some fights but not what they were about.

Some alcoholism is learned behavior I'm sure. I know a couple guys that swore they would never be like their drunk dad but couldn't be a bigger chip off the ol' block if they tried. They just can't see it. You can also learn good drinking behavior though. I probably drank a little more than my dad. For 30 years. Not once was I cut off or kicked out of a bar. No DUI's or accidents nor any domestic violence. I quit because I spent too much money on it and the hangovers were becoming too harsh.