According to government
statistics, over half the United States populations are regular drinkers and
over 80% of those drinkers use alcohol often. With this being the case it is no
surprise that more than 16 million people are addicted to this substance.
Alcoholism is a problem that
affects all aspects of life. There are the legal problems that stem from
driving under the influence, domestic disputes or other crimes committed while
intoxicated. There are also the social costs of the problem that also include
crime but cover lost production, accidents, health issues and preventable
deaths.
But where alcohol hits most is close to home.
Growing up in a small town for
most of my life I saw first-hand how often alcohol was used. Whether it was
during a holiday, family get-togethers or reunions or just a Friday night many
adults that I knew drank. I also had a close friend whose father was an
alcoholic. We became friends at 5 years old and were inseparable for the next
13 years. During this time I saw first-hand where alcohol does the most damage
and - within the family, with children and between spouses.
Why Alcohol Abuse Is
Let Go
With the above said why is alcohol abuse let go? There are
many children, adolescents and young adults that grow up with alcoholism in the
family. It may be that one parent has a drinking problems or it may even be
both. It is the responsibility of adults to provide a stable and happy life for
their children. I can tell you that when addiction is within the family that is
a nearly impossible task.
Spouses often let alcohol abuse go for a variety of reasons.
Some feel that because it’s legal it is not a problem. Others are scared that
their spouse might leave and don’t want to break up the family. Others fear the
actions and reactions of the alcoholic as excessive use of alcohol can cause a
variety of problems like violence, unpredictable behavior, mood swings and even
black outs.
Letting the problem go for many stems directly from being
able to face it and then feeling like it cannot be handled. The truth is that
alcohol addiction is a completely treatable problem and the treatment can most
often be originated from a family member or spouse.
If you have a spouse that is an alcoholic the following is
what to do:
1. Don’t deny that there is a problem. Read about
the signs of alcohol addiction; if you see excessive drinking, issues where
your husband or wife starts drinking or cannot stop or frequent intoxication
talk to them right away and get them to get help.
2. Insist on treatment. When someone is addicted
they will find every reason why help can wait. It can be anything from not
wanting to leave the home, to not being ready and thinking that they ‘just
don’t need it.’ Don’t buy these excuses; alcoholism can be resolved through
treatment and this is where the abuser has to go.
3. Be caring but strong. Caring about your spouse
and helping them is different from enabling them. Don’t give them alcohol or
money to buy it. Don’t pay their bills or allow them to not work and continue
to drink. The most important thing is to express your care for them and get
them into a program.
Above all else don’t be afraid to reach out and get
professional help. Make sure your spouse talks to a counselor and use
professional services to make sure that they enroll in a program and get help.
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