Reading this I remembered hearing in AA meetings people refer to alcohol as their best friend, who is reliable and present. When her mother died, Caroline turned to her drink for support and comfort, like a child afraid of being without her favorite blanket or teddy bear. “Protect me. Protect me from being alone with my own head,” these thoughts ran through her mind as she increased her daily alcohol consumption after her parents died. Knapp got sober two years later, and it was sad for me (and I'm sure for Caroline too) to realize that her parents have never seen their daughter free from addiction, will never have quality time with them and a new relationship mint. that could have been built if Caroline hadn't been there