It sounds like you and your father weren't addicted - that sounds great for you! I currently know a number of people in 12-step programs (Christian and secular), ages ranging all over the place, who struggle with it in an entirely different way. For them, waiting for some indeterminate time at which they "grow out" of their addiction is hopeless because they and those around them suffer in the meantime. 15 years is a very long time to wait as you destroy your family and your body.