Alcoholism: A Family Disease

Do you know any struggling alcoholics? Alcoholics can be of any age and come from any kind of background. Researchers have found that, “most alcoholics come from families where alcohol is either strictly forbidden or where parents are alcoholics” (Hyde25). Alcoholism even affects highly educated people. Studies have shown that people who lack motivation are less likely to become addicted to alcohol than highly motivated individuals. Alcoholism is also known as a family disease because alcoholics have children, husbands or wives, siblings, parents, and other relatives. Studies have shown that alcoholic families know that family and marital problems often start because of alcoholism. Researchers have also learned that spouses and children may

contribute to the drinker’s habit and make it worse. Some families let the heavy drinking keep going on instead of dealing with serious family problems. Denial is an essential problem for alcoholics and family members. Family members use denial to rationalize the drinker’s alcohol dependency. In the beginning, denial is common and understandable because every family loves and wants to protect its members. There’s a time when denial negatively affects family members. When family members deny the obvious and refuse to look for help, their behavior can trigger many emotional problems in the whole family. Alcoholism has a negative effect on families.
It is well known that a parent with an alcohol or drug problem can have an effect on the other family members. The spouse of the alcoholic could become upset and the couple could start fighting. The person with the problem may be bogging the family down. The others, that try to help, often get pulled down into the bog too. The first step in putting things right is when the others start to get their own feet on solid ground. Only after that, they will be able to help to tackle the addiction problem. The drinker is often full of conflict, they have a hard time choosing between alcohol and not wanting the harm that always seems to follow. They often blame others when things go wrong. The partner or spouse often doubts herself or himself. The partner often feels hurt and ashamed. Many spouses take on extra responsibilities, trying to cover up the mess. If you are that spouse, the first step towards putting things right is to take some time for yourself. Get support for yourself from a good friend or a counsellor.