Do You Have an Alcoholic in the Family?

Drinking alcoholic beverages can be good and it can be bad. Around the world the cost of alcohol misuse in term s of human life in incalculable. It contributes to acts of violence, and can remove inhibitions and social restraints and can blur the way one interprets other people’s actions, making a violent response more likely. Alcohol is also a significant factor in domestic violence and sexual assault. First in order to recognize the problem it is imperative that the person who drinks alcohol and those close to him or her recognizes it when a problem exists. The fact that they are dependent on it is only the tip of the iceberg. In order to determine if someone in your family has this problem you need to ask yourself the following questions: Does their drinking exceed the limits recommended by health authorities? Do they drink in situations that require their full attention and quick reflexes? Are their drinking habits causing problems in the family or at work?

A very common reaction among those who abuse alcohol is denial. They feel that they drink the same amount as everyone’s, and that they can stop at any time. There is actually a mental and emotional dependence. The habitual drunk is obviously alcohol dependent, and is easily recognized as such. However in the earlier stages their alcoholism may not be that obvious. There are some clear signals that you can look for. For example, if a person honestly asks himself a number of questions, he can often quickly determine if they or someone they know is heading toward alcohol dependence or already is dependent on it. If you can answer yes to at least three of the following questions then you can be reasonably sure that alcohol has become a problem.

1. Are they drinking more often than then used to, and taking stronger drinks?
2. Are they taking a number of drinks every day, or even on several days a week?
3. Has drinking affected their reputation?
4. Are they resentful when others caution them on their drinking?
5. Do they drink to escape from worries or troubles?
6. Do they sometimes gulp down drinks, instead of sipping them?
7. At times, do they have a craving for an alcoholic beverage?
8. Do they often drink alone?
9. Has their drinking caused problems, such as resentment by members of their family?
10. Do they defend their drinking by feeling that they could stop at any time, but yet do not stop?
11. If they have tried to stop drinking for a certain period, say a month, did they fall short of their goal?
12. Are they neglecting their appearance, such as putting on excessive weight due to drinking, but yet they keep on drinking?
13. Has their drinking made them careless about their health, job, money-spending habits or family’s welfare?
14. Do they look for, or arrange, occasions such as social gatherings as excuses for drinking?
15. Do they keep a bottle of alcoholic beverage hidden somewhere to drink when others are not looking?

If you answered yes to even just a few of these questions it can be a sign of trouble. If there were numerous yes answers that would show that some degree of alcoholism is already very well established.

It is very difficult to single out any one condition or attitude that may be the cause of someone becoming dependent on alcohol. Even a person’s body size can make a huge difference. A very large person has more water in their bodies that do smaller persons. Alcohol is diluted by water. So therefore a smaller person usually will be more quickly affected by the same amount of alcohol than would a larger person. There is no one problem that will automatically produce an alcoholic. It can actually be a number of things. There are however factors that produce higher rates of alcoholism.

Economic, factors can play a part. There is much alcohol abuse among some poor people, especially those that live in large cities. Those that are poor have feelings of hopelessness. It is alcohol’s sedative-like quality that temporarily eases the pain of reality. On the opposite side of that in other countries drinking is more of a social event for the middle and upper income groups. Alcohol addicts are found in all age groups. However, the most rapid increase now is among younger people and women. Unfortunately, many more pre-teen-age children are becoming involved with alcohol abuse.

How can you help?

It is possible for alcoholics to break free on their own. However, most individuals may need professional help to become abstinent. There are many outpatient treatment programs, but when withdrawal symptoms are severe, hospitalization my become necessary. When the initial withdrawl symptoms have passed, (normally between two and five days) the doctor may prescribe some medication to help reduce cravings. Medication is only a temporary measure not a cure. Many people fail the first time because the absence of alcohol leaves them felling void. Not only must the physical addiction be treated but also the mental addiction as well. The best thing that you can do to help them at this critical time is to be supportive and helpful. Let them know that you are there for them, and that you love them.