My father and I were very close. I was only 16 when he passed on. The lesson I learned was to not follow him in his footsteps. We didnt take his addiction as seriously as we really should have. It was the same old song and dance, into rehab and stay clean for a few weeks then relapse again. My father was suffering in his own skin. The most inportant thing that I learned was to not take drugs. Unfortunatly I was taught the hard way by losing my father. If there is anything anyone can do for a member of their family that is using is not say mean things to them. It's very frustraing and hard at times because of the mistakes they make or the trouble they get into. But you honestly never know whats going to happen. Either the drugs will get you or the lifestyle will. About 6 months after my father passed my uncle had passed on due to an accidental overdose as well. It made me grow up very quickly and realize that if this is the real world you need to be one of the leaders and not a follower. It is very important to educate your kids and stay honest with them about addiction. Rest in peaceDaddy and Uncle Joe... this is for you guys