My family history of substance abuse

There's a lot of substance abuse in my immediate family. I didn't really think about it growing up, but it was there (mainly on my mom's side).

My mom was an alcoholic, with lots of "addictive behavior" issues. She really enjoyed the 12-step programs because they let her talk and examine her actions and feelings. They didn't do so well with controlling the behavior. In the end, she managed her choices pretty well: not drinking, quitting smoking, watching her weight, getting some exercise. It was always a struggle and not something she enjoyed. She gave up things she liked in order to get control. It was a strong choice and a good one.

I have an older sister and four younger brothers. My older sister is an aggressive non-user: never drank alcohol, never smoked anything, doesn't like to take medicine even when prescribed by a doctor, no tylenol, etc. AP (the oldest of the four) did a lot of stuff in grammer school (alcohol, cigarettes, pot), but stopped when he went to high school. AT (second brother) doesn't use (as far as I know) although he might have a beer or two occasionally. I have never seen him drink to excess or smoke. JT (third brother) has been fighting abuse since he was 12. He's been clean for over 3 years and it's a daily battle for him. JD (youngest brother) was more into dealing and making money, but I think still uses some. He's the least functional of the boys and ends up homeless most summers, due to no money for rent. He's a "user" in the sense that he will use people and take advantage of them. He lies out of habit, rather than for any reason. I never leave him unsupervised with my daughter. I don't let him stay overnight in my house, although I still invite him for holiday dinners and family picnics.

I occasionally have a drink. I cook with wine. I've gotten really drunk on several occasions, although not for more than 20 years. I had some pot at parties in college and after, four times, although never buying or selling.

I have many friends and coworkers who are regular (occasional-level) users. I don't rally have a problem with an adult choosing to indulge. I'm sad when people over-indulge. And I have a real problem with kids making these kinds of choices.