well for my father who is an alcoholic; he denies its a bad thing for the most part...
yet other times he calls it a 'brutal' drug, thats really bad; 'BUT, gets the job done...'
he may feel this way due to habituation; he's in his 60's and the dangers of drink weren't so well known then and the culture was pretty ripe then for drinking (spose it is now too)

so, i feel he doesn't want to let go of something he's cherished for so long and had good times on.
me personally, i don't really like alchohol.... i do drink, sometimes alot... but often just twice a month or less.
and thats because i've seen the really ugly side... not just the damage it does to the drinker, but the harm their behaviour whilst drunk causes to other people...

so, i don't really know to be honest... i think its a very complicated issue..
and involves alot of a persons psyche..

personally i think it takes insight,, and then willpower, and a knowledge you can be better off without it.
but that requires saying goodbye to alot of old behaviours/habits/lifestyles..
and dealing with sobriety which can be difficult when your used to being inebriated.

thats a very good question... and i'm afraid i don't really have an answer.
i'm sure others will have more insight into this than me..

well done for looking out for your Father.
BX