Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Annamarie Coy, BA, ICPR, MATS
In this article
People who consume alcohol regularly can develop an alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is the inability to control one’s drinking despite negative consequences.
AUD is often called a “family disease” because it impacts more people than those with alcoholism. In the United States, over 15 million adults have AUD.3
The emotional side effects of alcohol addiction are felt by:
Alcoholism affects the family as a whole and each member. It affects every member’s life, attitude, and way of thinking and can lead to significant relationship dysfunction.
Living with someone with AUD can be disruptive and lead to:9
Alcoholics are more likely to develop codependency in their relationships. This is when a person’s self-esteem and emotional needs become dependent upon another person.
Increased drinking is associated with divorce. In many cases, alcohol abuse has been cited as a cause of divorce. Marriages in which one or both partners have a habit of heavy alcohol consumption are 20% more likely to get divorced.4,5
Children of alcoholics are more likely to experience cognitive and emotional problems than children who grow up in sober homes. Former children of alcoholics are more likely to misuse alcohol themselves.
Families who separate due to alcoholism can be traumatic for a child. Studies show that children who experience parental divorce can increase the likelihood of substance abuse in the future.10
Relationships in which one or more partners are involved in excessive drinking are more likely to fall apart. AUD changes a person’s mood and alters their entire personality.
This sudden shift can cause significant damage to your relationship and lead to:7,8
People with AUD become more and more secretive and likely to hide things from their partners, which destroys trust. Trust is an essential part of your relationship.
Alcoholism causes an increased risk for domestic abuse within the family. Alcohol use increases both the occurrence and severity of domestic violence. It’s been implicated in over half of all domestic violence cases in the U.S.6
The signs that someone may have alcoholism include:
If you see these signs in your loved one, their drinking may be a cause for concern. The more signs they have, the more urgent the need for change. A licensed healthcare professional can conduct a formal assessment and provide medical advice.
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Dealing with an alcoholic family member can be challenging. This is because people with alcoholism can often become defensive when confronted.
Here are a few tips to help you deal with an alcoholic family member.
When you confront your loved one about their addiction, you should:
Also, consider setting boundaries to ensure your own physical and mental health. Try not to enable their behavior by bailing them out or making excuses for them.
If they’re resistant to getting help, seek professional help. Some specialists can help you stage an intervention and find the right treatment for your loved one. Alcoholism is a disease, and you should treat it like one.
Here are a few things you should avoid when confronting a loved one about their addiction:
When dealing with an alcoholic family member, avoid enabling their drinking. Examples of enabling include:
The most important thing you should avoid doing is blaming yourself and taking negative reactions personally. You aren’t guilty or responsible for their behavior.
Dealing with an alcoholic family member can be a prolonged and exhausting process. You should practice self-care to support your well-being.
You may want to seek therapy or attend a support group for family members of alcoholics such as Al-Anon or Alateen. These groups provide emotional support and the opportunity to learn from those who have faced similar challenges.
In addition to attending support groups, loved ones of alcoholics may consider 1-on-1 or group therapy. A trained health professional can help family members assist their loved one’s recovery.
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There are many treatment options available for alcohol abuse and addiction, including:
BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
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Alcoholism is a family disease and can drastically affect the lives of everyone around you. It can significantly impact your relationships with others and ruin them beyond repair.
Fortunately, there are ways to deal with an alcoholic family member or loved one. Make sure you:
Guiding your loved one through their recovery is the best thing you can do for them. Also, consider going to a support group like Al-Anon to better cope with your alcoholism.
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