I initially thought alcohol was to blame for their hatred. However, I soon recognized that my relatives' bigoted, hateful language and actions were always present in them, regardless of whether they were under the influence or not. Alcohol was simply an excuse to shout these hatreds out loud. The greatest influence my relatives' alcoholism had on me was my belief that I would have a different relationship with alcohol use in my life. The family pattern of alcoholism had a lasting impact on me through the realization that I had a predisposition to alcoholism. In order not to become addicted to alcohol, I should be vigilant