Congratulations. You have experienced what it is to grow up in a home being affected by alcohol and unfortunately like many do grew into alcoholism by living a life fueled by alcohol. If it has brought you to a place wherein you can truly accept each and everything happens for a reason then serenity is sure to follow. For myself I know that learning to live a balanced life is so much more rewarding than the many years spent on a never ending roller coaster of emotions. Studies show that genetics influence up to 50% of someone’s predisposition to alcohol or drugs. The rest is up to the individual’s use, continued rate of use thus gaining tolerance and other factors that bring someone across the tracks if you will from merely abusing a chemical into being addicted to the chemical. I’m happy to hear your using 12 step programs to aid in your recovery. They truly do change people’s lives for the better. We can live happy, fulfilled lives without alcohol. Whooda thought?