Just because a quick wikipedia search tells us it's a disease, doesn't make it one. Gramma was a lush (big time). I never thought that it was anything other than her own fault. Let me ask you and usmcflyer: is being a pedophile a disease? When did it happen in this world where personal responsibility became extinct? Al, you sound as if you have personal experience with alcohol abuse (you or loved one); if so, I'm sorry. But, don't patronize them or yourself and do them a disservice by taking responsibility and putting it elsewhere. My personal beliefs? Life is perception, and I'm not buying into everything people tell me (as you do). And as far as my kids having "the gene", well if I raise them right to be responsible adults, they will never have to worry about getting the "disease".