My sister and I both started drinking around the same time when we were about 14 years old (About 30 years ago). I drank through college but sometime in my late 20s I started to slow down because I realized that every time I drink I felt bad after, and it negatively affected my ability to do the thing that is my reason for existing, which is singing, which is also now my primary income source. I now hardly drink at all; maybe a few times a year. However my sister is a serious alcoholic. She’s been sober for about six months but it’s been a struggle and she’s got all the health problems you mentioned. She’s the one with kids, so I’m really hoping that she can kick the habit once and for all and get and stay healthy for their sake.