Alcohol is the most used and abused drug in the United States. It is estimated that over 175 million people consume alcohol on a regular basis. Between 10-13 million of these regular drinkers are alcoholics. Many others are problem drinkers heading toward addiction. Even when alcoholics are actively drinking or abstaining they are still considered to be alcoholics.
Alcoholism does run along family lines.
Many family members drink because other members of the family drink themselves. My parents never enjoyed drinking alone. They would always invite people over or offer my siblings and I a drink. I seem to remember being allowed to have alcohol on a regular basis since about the age of twelve. Because of this early introduction to alcohol, I am very much aware of its physical effects and how it can be abused.