Amanda Mayan

>I've been wondering how one would introduce alcohol when there isn't ever
>any in the house. DP's been "in recovery" for a few years, and comes from a
>long line of alcoholics. I am not into drinking at all, so between the two
>of us we never have it or buy it, or expose our kids to it. Our oldest is
>only 6 so I guess we've plenty of time to think about it, but I'm wondering
>how others have introduced the concept in similar situations.



My parents were actually great with this.it was always a very matter of fact
that my dad didn't drink because he had problems drinking too much.

As I grew older and inquired more, I learned more details about his past,
more serious stuff, history of heroine abuse, ect.but it was always just
there.though not as a scary thing.

He became sober when I was 3 (don't remember any of the "before") and
relapsed when I was 15 for about a year..and then again when I was 24.

But my mother did have wine and stuff in the house, rarely but she did, and
it was not taboo.though it was explained, in a very relaxed and non
threatening way, probably around 10 or so.that my several (including dad)
immediate and extended family members did have substance abuse issues, and
that it was not for sure hereditary, but that there were links and that I
should just be *aware* of it.again, not in a scary way, just information.
And I did drink a tiny little bit of wine, as I got older, at fancy dinners
and stuff.but I was just given all of the information..this is just another
drink/ option, and you only have a problem if you do.and if you do, then you
get help.

So with the younger ones, when/ if they question why other families drink
beer and you guys don't I would just very straight forward "DP has a hard
time stopping when drinking, so to help, it's not in the house, and I don't
drink out of respect for the situation (or whatever it is).but if you're
ever curious about the taste, we can ask a friend for a sip next time we're
around it" or something like that.whatever works for your family.



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