Gloria's A & E Intervention

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Alcoholism is a severe disease that has the potential to negatively impact not only the individual combating addiction, but also the family members involved with the addict (Park & Schepp, 2014). The documentary series A&E Intervention follows the daily lives of individuals combating addictions such as alcoholism and substance abuse. Throughout Gloria’s A&E episode, before her intervention there was rarely a moment that did not consist of her having an alcoholic beverage within arm’s reach. Gloria was in denial about her alcohol abuse, and seemed to be unattached to traumatic events that occurred in her life, including the death of her father, her stillborn childbirth, and both of her daughter’s complex relationships with her. This paper seeks …show more content…

The birth of Latrelle offered Gloria the opportunity to celebrate the addition of a new life in her family following two tragedies. Throughout the episode of A&E, Gloria and Latrelle’s enabling relationship was explored and discussed. Latrelle displayed a significant loyalty to her aunt and felt as though her family was disrespectful to Gloria because they did not accept her abusing alcohol. A devastating scene within the episode, displayed Gloria’s behavior toward her daughters while being intoxicated. Gloria began to drink alcohol at a family function starting at noon until the sun went down. Her niece was shown assisting Gloria with alcoholic beverage consumptions. Latrelle stated that her aunt often asked to receive help with her rent, and that she had no issue with assisting her with her bills because she is her aunt, although she knows that the money Gloria does have goes to her …show more content…

The intervention was the first time that I noticed an emotional reaction out of Rose, at the same time a coping mechanism of protecting herself from pain and disappointment was exhibited. One heartbreaking statement Renee made was that she had not given birth to children yet because she was afraid that she would be an absentee parent and cause her children pain like her mother had did her and Rose. It seemed as though listening to her daughters explain the pain they experienced that was a result of her addiction became a reality for Gloria, she could no longer live in denial. After much reluctance, Gloria agreed to go seek

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