Alcohol Use in Families, 5 Harmful Effects of Alcohol

Overview Of Alcohol Use in Families

A child raised by a parent or caregiver suffering from alcohol abuse may have a variety of conflicting emotions that need to be addressed to avoid future problems. They are in a difficult position because they cannot go to their parents for support. Some of the feelings can include the following:

Although the child tries to keep the alcoholism a secret, relatives, other adults, or friends may sense something is wrong. Caregivers should be aware that the following behaviors may signal a drinking or other problem at home:

Some adult of alcoholics may cope by taking the role of responsible “parents” within the family and among friends. On the other hand, they may become controlled, successful “overachievers” throughout the home and, at the same time, be emotionally isolated from other friends and relatives. Their emotional problems may show only when they become adults.

Relatives and caregivers need to realize that whether or not the parents are receiving alcoholism treatment, adolescents can benefit from educational programs and mutual-help groups such as programs for young adults of alcoholics and Al-Anon. Early professional help is also essential in preventing more severe adolescent problems, including reducing the risk of future alcoholism. For example, adolescent psychiatrists can diagnose and treat problems in adult of alcoholics. They can also help people to understand they are not responsible for the drinking problems of their parents and that the adolescent can be allowed even if the parent is in denial and refusing to seek help.

The treatment program may include group therapy with other youth, which reduces the isolation of being a child of an alcoholic. In addition, the child and adolescent psychiatrist will often work with the entire family, particularly when the alcoholic parent has stopped drinking, to help them develop healthier ways of relating to one another.

Five Effects Of Alcohol Use in Families

Approximately 14 million people in the country meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol use disorder. Unfortunately, this means millions of families suffer the effects of this challenging disease.

Common Effects of Alcohol Use in Families

Alcohol causes more than just trouble for the person drinking, especially with prolonged alcohol misuse and abuse. Because addiction can negatively affect several areas of a person’s life, alcoholism impacts family and friends.

Here is a closer look at five possible effects of alcohol use in families:

1. Damaged Family Relationships: One-way alcoholism affects families is in damaged relationships. Families of people affected by alcohol abuse often struggle to create strong emotional bonds, even within their family unit. This starts with the parents. For example, heavy drinking was connected to lower marital satisfaction. The study also found that alcoholism increased the risk of negative interactions, especially among couples. In addition, people battling alcoholism tend to lie about their condition, minimizing its effect on the family. This destroys trust and makes it difficult for other family members to build strong relationships with the individual.

3. Domestic Abuse: One of the most sobering effects of alcoholism is an increased risk for domestic abuse within the family. Abuse tied to alcohol use in families can be either emotional or physical. People battling alcoholism may insult their family members, manipulate them, or humiliate them. These are all forms of emotional abuse. Physical violence is also a severe issue. The World Health Organization[2] reports that 55 percent of physical assault cases between intimate partners occurred when the perpetrator drank. Because alcohol use in families lowers their self-control by affecting cognitive and physical functioning, people who drink are more prone to act violently when frustrated.

4. Drained Family Finances: The habit of consuming alcohol regularly is expensive. While the amount spent on alcohol will vary depending on the frequency and type chosen, the costs add up. It is not uncommon for someone battling this addiction to spend over $1,000 a month on alcohol. That is money that the family could use in other ways, and this financial cost takes a toll on the family’s overall well-being.

5. Physical & Mental Health Issues: Finally, a battle with alcoholism affects most family members’ physical and mental health. The individual fighting addiction will deal with physical health issues because of the impact of excessive alcohol consumption. Common problems include liver disease, digestive system problems, brain damage, and stroke risk. Mental health problems are also a risk for these families. The anxiety and stress of alcoholism for a family will wear down the emotional health of all involved. Family members of those fighting alcoholism may also struggle with guilt and feelings that they somehow caused their loved one’s disorder.

Why So Many U.S. Families Are Affected By Alcoholism

Alcoholism Is A Family Disease, But Help Is Available For All

Alcohol use in families is a disease that affects all family members. Therefore, when someone is battling alcoholism and is ready to get help, getting help for the entire family is crucial to bring about complete healing and lasting change.

We Level Up offers alcohol addiction treatment to help people overcome addiction, but we don’t stop there. Because addiction is a family disease, we also have a family support program that ensures everyone, not just the person suffering from addiction, gets the help they need. This family addiction counseling can help the whole family heal, change, and rebuild healthy relationships. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.

At We Level Up Treatment Center provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope. In addition, we work as an integrated team providing information about alcohol use in families and other aspects of treatment. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.