Alcomahol... o.O

In The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, there is much talk about alcoholism and how often the people close to Arnold drink.  In the book Arnold states how much his father drinks and would rather spend his money on booze than gas to drive his only son to school. (16) He also mentions that his mother drinks but not as much as his dad and uncle.   If they were a little smarter with their money they could save up and make the best of what they truly have and possibly get out of the rut.  He mentions that one day he was walking to school and his uncle pulled up on his motorcycle with alcohol on his breath but still got on his bike to go to school but held on tight (70). I find it kind of sad that because they are poor they revert to alcohol for comfort. They may not hurt anyone but it is hurting themselves and putting themselves into a depression.