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Alcoholism in the family can have a devastating effect. Whether it be a mother, father, husband or wife that is the alcoholic, it has the ability to destroy a family and leave lasting scars. If you've been in a long-term relationship with an alcoholic, codependency is almost inevitable, which essentially means that as a codependent you suffer from relationship addiction. A codependent relationship is harmful because it tends to be one-sided and emotionally unfullfilling. Typically you won't realise what's going on because your needs have become secondary - and if you have kids they also suffer as a result because they pick up on what's going on, which can leave long-term scars. Naturally the impact of alcoholism on the marriage or relationship poses all sorts of problems - so eventually you may get to a point whether you question whether it's in your best interests (and that of your children's) - to actually stay in the relationship. Divorce may then become a very real option for you - and the whole alcoholism and divorce conundrum is something you may seriously have to consider. I grew up in a family where alcoholism caused massive pain and heartbreak so I know how difficult it is to handle and to know what to do. It's different for every family, but asking yourself things like - how is this effecting the kids, is there abuse involved and how bad is the alcoholism/is it getting worse? - will help you get clearer on the kind of action you need to take. It has to reach a point where eventually you say, 'no more, this is it,' and take a stand that something has to change or else there will be consequences. Tough love may have to become the approach. That's where performing an alcoholism intervention can potentially have a massive impact. Do it right - and it could well mean the beginning of change -because it could get your husband, wife or partner into treatment. You need to understand though, that there is no quick fix. I suggest you speak to others who are, and have, gone through what you are. So a support group called Al Anon, which is for family and friends of those suffering from alcoholism, is an excellent place to start. The worst thing to do is keep things under wraps, you need to be asking for help and speaking to others who have been through what you have, and can offer their advice and support.
Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com
For more advice and guidance, simply check out C-P's website. His Alcoholism and Marriage article gives you useful advice on the alcoholism-marriage conundrum. For useful information on doing an intervention, go to his Alcoholism Intervention page.
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