I have been surrounded by alcoholism my whole life. Anyone I have ever known has been under the spell of alcohol. It is a terribly addictive disease that many people find they have no control over. Alcoholism comes disguised as a friend. It picks you up when you are feeling down. It relaxes you. It leaves you in shambles. It can destroy your world. Alcoholism often shows its true colors but many people can’t see it for the enemy that it is.
I never realized how different my world was and still is. I thought things were normal. I doubt I know anyone who can attend a social function without getting hammered. For many, alcohol is an icebreaker. It is a way to unwind. It is relief and poison all in one sip.
Alcoholism can be hereditary. Many families pass the gene down. It is in their blood. The desire is there. There are many people, myself included, that can not take just one drink. They have to binge. They need more and more or they are not satisfied.
Alcoholic family members do not always set good examples. They drink to hide problems or to feel better. They may act childish or silly. They could rage and be angry. There are many forms of alcoholism. Being a happy drunk doesn’t mean you are exempt from the effects of alcoholism. Even if your behavior isn’t negative, you still set bad examples for those who look up to you.
Not only do children follow the examples they set; they often look for the same things to find comfort in. Children of alcoholics might often form dependant relationships. Daughters tend to search for men that are like their fathers. In this sense it can be a learned behavior. We are used to it; therefore we need it to feel stable.
Abuse often accompanies alcoholism. It can come in many forms. Some people are physically abusive when they are drunk. Others are emotionally abusive. They may say or do things they don’t mean. Chances are they may not even remember it the next day. That doesn’t mean that it didn’t happen or that it is any better. Any time of abuse is wrong, whether you say you are sorry or not.
Neglect is another common effect of alcoholism. People spend more time with their beverage of their choice instead of their family. Children may go without baths or food. The house might be in shambles. Things will begin to unravel when no one seems to care.
Many people will give everything they have for an addiction. This can range from their last dollar to their home. I have known people who would roll change, pawn their belongings, or pan handle on the street corner for a six-pack. Alcoholism can bring you to your knees and take away everything you love but still it’s not enough. You hunger for it. You can’t seem to get enough, no matter what it takes.
Alcoholism can lead to death. Many people do die from alcoholic related deaths. If the drinking doesn’t kill them, drunk driving often does. There are many physical tolls that alcoholism can take on your body. Dealing will be just as hard as dealing with the alcoholism.
There is hope. There are many programs that an alcoholic and their family can get involved with. Check your local service center for alcoholic’s anonymous meeting near you. They also offer programs such as Al-anon and Ala-teen to help family members cope. Remember that you can not change the alcoholic in your family. They must be willing to change.
Being used to things doesn’t mean they are right. Alcoholism is a very serious disease. Love yourself and the ones around you by refraining from alcohol. Don’t hurt the ones you love by hurting yourself.