How Alcoholism Affects the Family

Alcoholism is a problem that not only affects the alcoholic’s ability to function correctly, but also the ability for their family to function properly. Given the fact that alcoholism is a destructive force that affects not only the psychological makeup of an individual, but also the emotional makeup, the ramifications of the alcoholics actions often play a large role in the family dynamic.

Oftentimes the spouses of an alcoholic become engaged in a co-dependent relationship with the alcoholic which establishes a negative coping system for both and often leads to enabling the addiction. In order to escape the wrath of emotional manipulation of their spouse oftentimes they tip toe around the real issues and hide their behavior which results in a web of deception that quickly consumes both mates.

Additionally, the non-drinking spouse also often becomes timid and withdrawn afraid to venture out into the world out of fear of what their spouse may do or so. This results in a complete social isolation for the spouse which also breeds the co-dependent relationship. If the alcoholic is not a functioning alcoholic the spouse may be forced to work excessively to meet the bills which leaves children in the presence of the alcoholic and without the role model of a properly functioning adult.

Children of an alcoholic parent often feel the worst ramifications of the upset family dynamic with children becoming more likely to act out or develop similar self-destructive behaviors such as anorexia, bulimia, alcoholism, high sex behaviors, or other dangerous activities. Part of the reason for these shared traits among the children of an alcoholic is due to the fact that children find it hard to trust others, build relationships, properly deal with emotion, and form independent personalities due to a poor example within the home.

Although not all children of an alcoholic family will develop alcoholism themselves given it is an inherited trait, most will develop an unwanted personality trait that is a direct result of their parent’s behavior and poor example. Children will have a much harder time adjusting to the world and often feel more alone than children raised in a normal functioning home.

One Response to “How Alcoholism Affects the Family”

1. Victoria says:

   February 21, 2012 at 8:52 pm

   I would love to know who the author of these articles are so that I can source them for my research report.