Since alcohol is a socially accepted drink, not many people consider it a severe danger. Unfortunately, it is one of the leading abused substances globally. Usually, the habit starts as a causal habit with friends and slowly graduates to a more serious issue when the tolerance levels increase and dependence on the drink sets in.
Over time, someone who could stay without alcohol for months no longer survives without it. Since the consequences of alcohol abuse are gradual and set in one after another, alcohol is often deemed a lesser evil when drugs are considered.
This is unfortunate since the effects of alcohol addiction go beyond the addict. It can be severe to the extent that those around the addict are affected negatively. The family is often involved more when relationships are considered. The addict becomes emotionally, physically, and even financially unavailable and unreliable.
It becomes a significant problem if they are the sole breadwinner for the family. In no time, the family starts accruing liabilities, and if caution is not taken to turn things around, there could be a potential onset of poverty.
It is essential to get the support you need to help overcome alcoholism for the sake of your family. However, before enrolling at a facility like Mallard Detox, you may want to know how alcohol can affect your family.
It Affects your Spouse
Marriages are affected negatively when one spouse becomes an alcohol addict. They tend to struggle to keep themselves afloat and, as such, cannot be present for their spouses. Usually, marriages become strained, and life between the couple becomes difficult to cope with. Spouses of addicts struggle with unique challenges due to addiction. This include:
- Loneliness: The addicted spouse is never available to spend time with them. This negatively affects the relationship and can even lead to separation.
- Stress: addicts can cause their spouses to be stressed by the constant alcohol drinking. The fact that alcohol causes them to misbehave and embarrass their spouses can take a toll n them. It is not easy to know that your partner prioritizes alcohol more than they do you and that there is nothing you can do since this is a disease.
- Anger: spouses may develop anger tendencies since they feel cheated and robbed of what they signed up for. Many people get into relationships and marriages for companionship and partnership. When one spouse becomes an addict, this is hampered and can be triggering.
- Anxiety and fear: Addicts may also struggle with fear and anxiety, not knowing where their spouses are. They may constantly worry about their safety and other concerns, which strains the relationship.
It Affects Kids
The children are also hard hit when one or both parents immerse themselves in alcoholism. They suffer from the following:
- Abandonment feeling: They feel as though they do not matter
- They experience social difficulties: They may not know how to act socially because they were not brought up with sober parents. Such kids develop to become socially awkward individuals.
- They may develop attachment issues
- They may suffer academically and start performing dismally
- They may have to shoulder bigger responsibilities early
- They develop a fear of separation.
If you realize that alcohol could affect your family, you should get help immediately. The good news is that experts are willing and ready to walk with you whenever you decide. Call us today to set up a treatment plan.
