Yes we have much in common. I'm half Russian and come for a long line of alcoholics which in multiple cases led to early deaths in family. No generation escapes it. Perhaps it's just relative but don't consider myself a true alcoholic. I really did enjoy it but it never affected my life in any way personal life, marriage or professional life as I also have a strong work ethic and never even started drinking daily until my son's were out of college. My mother did sober up in her early 50's and yes AA was a life saver for her, as she was also a diabetic. She kept a large framed print of the AA prayer in her bedroom. I truly didn't need AA as the day I decided to quit I basically did. Never got the shakes, ha ha. It did take will power for about 3 weeks. As I mentioned it took me a few social gatherings to figure out I can't have even one sip like you and others. Once I have one, then I wanted 3. I could have used Al-anon growing up, how my siblings and I overcame my mother's anger and violence without help from the outside is amazing. It was simply a family unspoken secret, too shameful to tell even the closest friends and it never occurred to us to tell our teachers. In truth our childhood made us stronger.
I do feel sorry for those that are too weak or as I truly believe born with an all powerful alcoholic gene to overcome this disease. I'm glad for you and others that find Al-anon helps.
Your group Al-anon discussions are probably more fascinating than my book-club meetings as you are sharing about real life.