Alcoholism and Families

Alcoholism not only affects the individual concerned, it also impacts on friends, family and all those whose life is associated with the alcoholic. It is estimated that at least a further 8 people are affected for each alcoholic and that 76 million adults have been exposed to the effects of alcoholism in the U.S.

Because the effects of alcoholism are insidious and occur over time, family members automatically adjust to the changes in behavior without realizing what is happening.

Rehab Can Help

Alcoholism is a disease involving the whole family and should be treated as such. Family and friends are often as much in denial as the alcoholic. They make excuses to other family members, employers, etc. The family circle finds itself revolving around the alcoholic’s unpredictable mood changes, violence and depression.

Professional alcohol rehab can address not only the alcoholism, but the denial and distress felt throughout the family.

Warning signs to look for within the family, whose lives revolve around an alcoholic’s unpredictability, include:

• Ignoring one’s own needs and putting the needs of the alcoholic first.
• A Sense of hopelessness and despair.
• A sense of ‘walking on eggshells’ as a result of the behavior of the alcoholic.
• Attempts at communication failing.
• Being subjected to manipulation, bargaining or violence.
• Making sacrifices in an attempt to make the situation bearable.

Getting an alcoholic to agree to an alcohol addiction treatment center is only the first step. The family also needs to heal. Marriage and family therapy can help, as can meetings with family support groups such as Al-anon and Ala-Teen.

Here, at Sovereign Health of California, we offer programs, such as residential addiction treatment, to treat the alcoholic alongside support and re-education for the surrounding family. We hold regular group and family therapy sessions to help and support family and friends.

We combine traditional treatment methods with holistic alternatives to ensure our clients achieve long-term sobriety and a successful re-integration into society. Our program succeeds, where others fail!