The effects of alcoholism on the family can be destructive. When a husband, wife, mother or father is an alcoholic, then it can possibly destroy a family. If you’ve been in a long-term relationship with an alcoholic, codependency is almost inevitable, which essentially means that as a codependent you suffer from relationship addiction.

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. I grew up in a family where alcoholism caused massive pain and heartbreak so I know how difficult it is to handle and to know what to do. It’s different for every family, but asking yourself things like – how is this effecting the kids, is there abuse involved and how bad is the alcoholism/is it getting worse? – will help you get clearer on the kind of action you need to take.

Eventually something you will have to do is begin taking a stand and practicing tough love – if there is to be any hope that things will change. You’re going to have to draw a line in the sand and say that ‘this is it.’That’s where performing an alcoholism intervention can potentially have a massive impact. Do it right – and it could well mean the beginning of change -because it could get your husband, wife or partner into treatment. At the end of the day though, there just isn’t a quick fix solution. It will definitely help speaking to, and meeting others, who have gone through what you have. Al-Anon, is a great support network and excellent place for you to start. The worst thing in the world you can do, is try to keep things covered up and be ashamed of what is happening – so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help because there is lots of it out there


 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: , , , ,