Alcohol abuse and alcoholism within a family is a problem that can destroy a marriage or drive a wedge between members. That means people who drink can blow through the family budget, cause fights, ignore children, and otherwise impair the health and happiness of the people they love. Of married couples who get into physical altercations, some 60-70 present abuse alcohol. In time, family members may even develop symptoms of co-dependency, inadvertently keeping the addiction alive, even though it harms them. Family therapy and rehab can help.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly called alcoholism, is often called a “family disease” because it impacts more people than just the individual with alcohol addiction. Addiction happens in all types of families, and its emotional side effects are felt by spouses, children, and other loved ones. Their lives, behaviors, and attitudes can change forever as a result of the disease. They can even experience anxiety, depression, and shame as a result of alcohol addiction. Living in a home with AUD can lead to disruptive behavior, tension, and strained relationships—all of which can cause significant stress on the family unit.