Alcoholism & The Family Unit – Part III: Other Family Members & Friends

It is often extended family members or close family friends that end up taking action when there is a suspected addiction to alcohol. The initial signs of the addiction are commonly missed altogether by the spouse of the alcoholic, or the spouse may be in complete denial about the situation. In those cases, it is those not so intimately connected but who still care about the alcoholic who step in and take action.

Extended family members and friends who confront the addict directly may be immediately cut off from their life in the alcoholic’s anger or fear of others finding out about the addiction, or in complete denial themselves.

Those who confront the spouse or someone else intimately connected to the alcoholic have a better chance of rallying support and awareness of the situation without directly offending or angering the alcoholic.

As the addiction continues over months and years, extended family members and friends will be distanced from the alcoholic and possibly from the entire family unit. Family members may try to protect the family image by not letting knowledge of the addiction get out or they may openly seek help from others around them. The latter is the better case scenario for all involved, but it isn’t what happens in all too many cases.

In the case of an angry alcoholic, the mental and possibly physical abuse that may come from the alcoholic when they visit or see them in public my completely sever relationships with family and friends. This is an emotional and painful experience for any family member or friend who truly cares about the alcoholic. While the range of emotions and crushing daily struggles that an immediate family member experiences may not be present, many extended loved ones still suffer with great worry and fear for the well being of the addict and the family unit as a whole.

In the best case scenarios, family members immediate and extended pull together to get the alcoholic the help they need. When a strong family unit comes together it can make the difference between a lifetime of addiction that leaves the alcoholic isolated and sick, and a life of recovery with success and rekindled relationships.