Alcohol abuse and alcoholism can create massive rifts in the normal activities for other family members and can nearly destroy even the closest of relationships. Due to the presence of alcohol, husbands and wives will break up, children will no longer talk to their parents, and some groups in the family will stop coming to visit a drunken relative. For someone who is struggling through dependence or alcoholism, the separation from these loved ones can be severe enough to drive them insane (sometimes to the point of suicide attempts). Of course, with the right amount of counseling and therapy for all members involved, this issue can be reversed with time. Let’s take a closer look at the effects of alcohol on family circles.
The Commonality of Addiction
Given the fact that addiction is such an unfortunately common disease, you can guarantee that families across the country are suffering as we speak. Studies have speculated that an estimated 26 million Americans (ages 12 and older) suffer from some form of alcohol or illegal drug dependence. Meanwhile, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) has confirmed that about 10% of children in the United States are living with at least one parent who has an alcohol problem.
Family Circles
Let’s take a closer look at some scenarios which depict how alcohol affects family units:
- Domestic Life: Living with a person who suffers from alcoholism or alcohol abuse is tedious and at times very dangerous, resulting in harm to the victim and loved ones.
- Financial Issues: A constant drive to drink can result in a cobweb-infested pocketbook and a list of criminal-related activities (such as theft or robbery). Some people will even lose their jobs due to issues in the workplace.
- Arguments: Arguments between a sober spouse and a drunken spouse (or both drunken spouses) can quickly escalate into verbal or physical fights.
- Covering Up: Some family members will believe the addict cannot fill his or her obligations and may start to cover up their drunken activities.
- Codependency: In some cases, family members may let their social lives go as they attempt to help the addict overcome financial or private problems, an act known as enabling.
- Physical Problems: Alcohol can inflict tremendous harm on an unborn baby and can also ruin healthy sleep patterns (which can disrupt a healthy husband or wife).
- Emotional Problems: Besides physical pain, family members will suffer emotional pain while dealing with an alcoholic.
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Abuse or Alcoholism
Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are dangerous mental illnesses that not only destroy the victims but can also drive a massive wedge into their private lives. Adding the burden of heavy drinking and impaired behavior to an already massive pile of family dilemmas can be a huge challenge for people who truly value their free time. After all, if you were in their shoes, would you want to deal with the drunken escapades of a son or daughter after so long? In the end, you have to remember that (beyond your frustration) you can find a way to help your loved one return to being sane and healthy. Addiction might be a mental illness, but you can cope with it (if you can find the right tools).
If you are suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or alcohol abuse or have a friend or loved one who is coping with this illness, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts will help you endure the painful process of alcohol withdrawal and detox and guide you along the rocky road of rehabilitation. Soon enough, you will experience a faster and much more efficient recovery.
If you want to find out more about our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs or enroll in one of these programs today, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your leisure and your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how you can overcome your mental illness and take an extra step toward becoming a healthier person.
