When any member of a family is an alcoholic, the effects are felt by the entire family. The impact of alcoholism can be felt in both indirect and direct ways and may include violence, neglect, and physical and emotional abuse that threatens family relations and individual well-being.
Definition
The "Journal of the American Medical Association," or JAMA, defines alcoholism as a chronic disease in which an individual has a lack of self-control in drinking excessive amounts of alcohol consistently. Genetic, psychological and environmental factors can influence alcoholism in certain individuals. JAMA reports that children who have alcoholic parents or family members are predisposed to develop alcohol addiction as well.
Violence
Alcoholism can trigger and worsen chronic and long-term psychological and behavioral problems in families. Alcoholic individuals are at higher risk of loss of control, impaired judgment, emotional outbreaks and decreased inhibitions. The American Psychological Association warns that alcoholism can lead to emotional and physical abuse in families between spouses and children. Violent and abusive behavior includes hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking and yelling.
Mental Stress
An alcoholic may become unable to care for other family members or even themselves adequately. This can cause physical and emotional neglect of a spouse and children in the family. Alcoholism make take needed household finances and result in increased health care bills. The website Healthy Place, America's Mental Health Channel, warns that alcoholism can lead to mental issues such as eating disorders and suicide in the addicted individual as well as family members.
Behavioral Effects
Children in families with alcoholism may exhibit behavioral changes that cause poor academic performance and social skills as well low self-esteem, depression and anger management problems. Children with an alcoholic parent are often forced to take on caregiver roles for themselves, younger siblings and, in severe cases, even the alcoholic parent. Children are also affected by observing the dysfunctional behaviors of an alcoholic family member and are unable to learn to cope with problems in life in healthy ways.
Treatment
A range of treatment options exist for alcoholism that depend on the health of the addicted individual and the family. Outpatient treatment for alcohol abuse include the well-known 12-step program of Alcoholics Anonymous and other counseling programs. Treatment may also include rehabilitation centers, in-hospital treatment, medications and individual therapy. Healthy Place warns that if alcoholism is not treated, dysfunctional behavior and coping methods may become embedded in the life of family members.
