Sometimes all you have to do is ask.

Family history of alcohol or drug addiction plays a large role in the likelihood of a person’s development of dependency issues. According to the University of California – San Francisco Family Alcoholism Study, 20 – 25% of sons and brothers of alcoholics and roughly 5% of daughters and sisters of alcoholics end up with the disease.

Alcohol dependency (or alcoholism) is a pretty touchy issue for parents to talk about with their children. The effects of alcoholism don’t just impact the person using – it impacts the entire family. In many cases, it causes hurt so bad that people just don’t want to talk about it anymore. Sometimes, parents want to hide the truth because they want to protect their children from the hurt. Other times, parents are too embarrassed or don’t know how to bring up the topic. Whatever the reason, family histories are not always communicated.

Because of the increased freedom and accessibility, college is a time when many emerging adults begin to experiment drinking greater quantities of alcohol. Students who don’t know their family histories and drink at high-risk levels are taking chances with their own safety. Whether you choose to drink or choose to not drink, we believe that it is time for you to step up and ask! Even if you find out there is no history, don’t you think it’s worth knowing?

Check out the rest of this site to learn more about dependency and family history as well as other really interesting facts, web applications, and resources that may be helpful for you.