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problem. That thought troubled them, but they figured that it was normal as people grow up. “My dad is like that,” Greg said at the cabin as he poured the two of them straight vodka on ice. “He has to have at least a case of Miller Lite in the house at all times, or he freaks out. Mom has to go out and get it for him, because after work he’s usually too trashed to go out himself. I think that’s just what happens when you get older. I mean, Mom freaks out when she doesn’t have wine.” “I think you’re right,” Mary said, sipping her drink. “My older sister Greta is the same way. She says that her dorm room always has a 12-pack of beer in the fridge and two bottles of vodka. Before Greta goes to her class, she slams either a beer or a shot of vodka. She says everybody does it. So really, I don’t think we have anything to worry about.” “Yes,” said Greg, finishing his vodka in one gulp and pouring another, “as long as we get our homework done, go to work, and don’t get pulled over drinking and driving, I don’t see what the problem is, you know? My dad’s had at least 10 beers every day for the last 30 years, and he’s fine. I think you’re an adult when you can finally hold your own liquor. There’s nothing wrong with us.” Unfortunately, both Greg and Mary had fallen victim to the same misconceptions that had caused their parents to become alcoholics. These ideas are prevalent in societies around the world and mask the true impact that alcohol abuse has on so many people. Just because a person hasn’t gone to rehab, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be severely addicted to alcohol.

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Greg and Mary’s Misconceptions about Alcohol