You should go to an open AA meeting sometime. Listen to some of the stories. You might get a better understanding of the disease.

Every alcoholic thought he had alcohol under control. Some of the more "proficient" alcoholics are able to hide their use and can appear quite sober while being under the influence. That ability only helps reinforce their belief they are okay ("if nobody calls me out, I must be fine"). Most only realized they had a problem after they hit rock bottom (whatever their particular bottom was).


Thankfully, his 8th step won't include any next-of-kin.