In the family of an alcoholic, no one is spared the effects of his drinking. The impact of alcohol abuse on a family can be overwhelming. Family members may be abused physically, neglected and verbally demeaned. Even if an alcoholic goes into treatment, the scars he leaves on his family are often long-lasting.
Definition and Dynamics
The American Medical Association says that alcoholism is a chronic disease that can be genetically linked, psychosocial or influenced by environment factors. One has impaired control over drinking and a preoccupation with alcohol, despite its effects. Research shows that children from alcoholic families are prone to addiction, as well lifelong psychological and/or behavioral problems.
Aggression
Someone who abuses alcohol frequently puts her family at risk. Family members suffer the consequences of the alcoholic's loss of control and inhibitions and impaired judgment, memory and attention. Alcoholics are frequently argumentative and abusive, both physically and verbally. Physical abuse can range from slapping to mortal injury.
Emotional and Mental Stress
Because of the alcoholic's mental impairment and inability to care for himself, dependent family members, such as children and the elderly, are often emotionally and physically neglected. As the health of the alcoholic declines, and his ability to work goes downhill with it, so does the family's economic stability. Family members reflect that deterioration in poor school performance, low self-esteem and depression. Later, as the mental health website Healthy Place warns, serious mental issues may surface.
Behavioral Effects
Because substance abuse changes behavior, family members take on dysfunctional ways of relating to each other, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation counsels. In addition, children pick up the dysfunctional role-modeling of their alcoholic parents. Often, the alcoholic isolates herself, or family members become antagonistic. This all conspires to cause the disintegration of the family.
Treatment
There are a variety of treatment options for the alcoholic. The most popular is the 12-step program. Family counseling, which stresses the importance of the family unit, has also become popular. "As Addictions: A Comprehensive Guidebook," by Barbara McCrady and Elizabeth Epstein emphasizes that the alcoholic's chances of success are greater if his family is involved. The dynamics of alcohol abuse in the family underscore the importance of having everyone involved in treatment.
References
- American Psychological Association: Alcohol Disorders
- Healthy Place: What Happens to the Family when Addiction Becomes Part of It
- Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Impact of drugs on family and siblings
- Addictions: A Comprehensive Guidebook; O'Farrell, T.J and Fals-Stewart, W.; 1999
