Alcohol abuse is a challenging problem for anyone dealing with it. It can lead to physical concerns, issues with work, relationship struggles, and behavioral issues.
When someone is struggling with alcohol abuse, they aren’t the only ones involved. Millions of families worldwide also have to handle the effects of alcohol abuse when someone they love is struggling.
Let’s take a look at some of those effects. If you’re dealing with alcohol abuse, understanding how it impacts your family might help you realize it’s time to seek professional treatment. If you’re a family member of someone struggling, it’s essential to see how their behaviors and abuse can impact your whole family, so you can encourage them to get the help they need.
Damaged Relationships
One of the biggest problems alcohol abuse causes in families is damaged relationships. Those struggling with alcohol addiction may be more likely to isolate themselves. They can also lash out or have difficulty maintaining strong emotional connections, even with family members.
Additionally, many people with alcohol addiction try to hide their behaviors or lie about them. That quickly dissolves trust between family members, which can be a hard thing to rebuild. Those lies and that kind of secrecy can cause damage to a familial relationship for years.
Different Types of Abuse
It isn’t exactly a pleasant thing to think about, but alcohol abuse can often lead to other abuse. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the person drinking too much has to become violent. Emotional abuse can be far more prominent and sometimes more damaging.
Those abusing alcohol may tend to insult their family members, manipulate them, or embarrass them. Many times, emotional abuse is a way to assuage their guilt or shame. It is an outlet that can somehow make them feel better, at least for a short period.
Unfortunately, that kind of abuse can be traumatic for the people going through it and can destroy relationships entirely.
Financial Problems
If you are trying to raise a family of your own, alcohol abuse can cause problems with your financial situation. Not only is alcohol expensive, but those who abuse it regularly have to buy it frequently.
Some people end up spending thousands on alcohol. Many times, their family members may not even know about it. That is until someone checks the bank account and sees their money has been drained.
Again, secrecy and dishonesty the root of this problem. Money can be an issue, but it’s the broken trust that causes the most damage. After all, you feel betrayed when you count on money in the bank to buy groceries or pay bills only to find out your loved one wasted it all on alcohol.
Also, alcohol abuse can lead to various physical health problems, which may cost more money. Common health conditions that those with alcohol issues face include:
- Liver disease
- Heart failure
- Brain damage
- Digestive issues
- Increased risk of stroke
Treatment for any of these conditions can cost thousands of dollars, even with insurance. The sooner the person struggling with alcohol abuse gets help, the less likely it is these physical side effects will occur.
What to Do If Your Family Is In Trouble
If you’re worried that you may have a problem with alcohol, don’t wait to get help. Your family depends on you. They care about you and want you to be happy and healthy. Contact us to set up an appointment or for more information.
If you are a family member of someone who is abusing alcohol, reach out for support today. Together, we can talk about what you can do to help yourself and your loved ones through this dark time. Serenity EFTC provides family therapy in Colorado.