Is problem drinking in a parent always a sign of unhappiness? AIBU to assume it is?

[Decanteref]

When my mum was the age I am now she was a problem drinker often getting aggressive after alcohol. She also couldn’t care less whose feelings she hurt in the process -I was a primary school child at the time.

Luckily I haven’t followed suit.I don’t suffer from problematic drinking.

AIBU to think that my mum’s drinking pattern was a sign of unhappiness? She drank lots of strong gin - not much T

No - believe it or not.

Problem drinking isn’t always a result of unhappiness.

That’s a dangerous myth.

Personality disorders, boredom, habit and personal choice cause alcoholism too.

We had DF extensively tested for every mental illness often related to addiction, and he scored mentally healthy every time (and happier than the rest of his poor battered family).

DF went into top-notch psych therapy at a famous clinic and was sacked because the therapist said he was mentally healthy and simply chose not to engage.

‘Inadequate personality’ is an alcoholism trigger that psychiatrists cite in professional circles - when no one’s expecting them to be caring.