The Impact and Effects of Alcoholism on the Family

October 15, 2008

by C-P

The effects of alcoholism on the family can be devastating. Having a husband, wife, mother or father as an alcoholic can potentially destroy a family.

It is almost inevitable that as the partner or spouse of the alcoholic, you will show symptoms of codependency - because as a codependent ‘relationship addiction’ is highly likely.

Being in a codependent relationship means your needs aren’t being fulfilled emotionally and that the relationship will in all likelihood be totally one-sided - you trying to please or ‘be there’ for your spouse/partner. This will also have a huge impact on any kids you may have because they will pick up on the destructive nature of the relationship, which will affect them especially in later years.

The effects of alcoholism on a relationship or marriage are huge, in that it naturally puts huge strain on the relationship. So it may reach a stage whether things have just gotten too bad for you (and your kids) that staying in the relationship is just not possible. Considering the whole alcoholism and divorce conundrum or looking at separation may then become a very real issue for you.

Having grown up in a family where alcoholism was prevalent and caused so much pain, I know that it’s a complex issue to handle and that there simply isn’t a right/wrong answer. Each family’s situation is unique. Questions like, is there abuse involved, how badly are the kids being effected, how bad has the alcoholism become? - are one’s that only you can answer and will provide you with more clarity as to what the right thing to do is.

Eventually though the pleading and empty threats will need to stop - because you will need to take a real stand and say to yourself, ‘this is it’, if anything is going to change.

That’s when doing intervention for alcoholism can be such a powerful thing. Doing an intervention well should get your spouse or partner into treatment - and so provides a real chance that it could be the start of change.

Ultimately though - there simply is no easy or quick fix. A good place to start to meet and speak to people who are going through what you are, is Al Anon. It’s a great support network for family and friends of alcoholics. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help - because there are so many people out there already, going through what you are, who can offer help and support.

About the Author:

There is lots more advice on C-P’s website to help you. Go to Alcoholism and the Family to learn more about the alcoholism-family dynamic. And to discover more about what Codependency entails, simply click on the link.

Article Source: http://www.ezineonair.com

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