alcoholism in families

Alcoholism contagion in families is an old pandemic.

Alcoholism, clinical depression, counseling, family therapy, marriage counseling, therapy for anxiety / By

ALCOHOLISM IS CONTAGIOUS

Alcoholism contagion in families is an old pandemic.  There are many problems as there are bottles of beer in the world.  It seems like each generation passes on its alcoholic problems.  How many family members, friends, jobs, education, and DUIs differ but the pain is still the same.  It wrecks lives:  people die; families dissolve; people lose jobs; people go to jail; lives change for worse.

FAMILY THERAPY HELPS

Family therapy for addicts is a painful, lengthy, and full of regrets.  Why is it painful?  Good family therapy facilitate truth.  Admissions about past mistakes and future fears change a family’s self-image.  They dispel illusions about individual strengths and the value of promises of future behavior.  Past mistakes lead to regrets.  They create a vortex of depressed thoughts and anger that seemingly have no end.

NO VACCINE FOR ALCOHOLISM CONTAGION

Like any virus, alcohol spreads slowly and then its effects are everywhere.  It’s a bad habit that turns into a deadly disease.  And then, it seems impossible to stop.  Alcoholism is that disease.  Spreads slowly, effects everywhere, impossible to control, and finally a deadly disease.  Families are one of the victims of this contagion.

LOOK FOR SIGNS

 What does a family member do?  First, look for signs.  Family members are erratic in what they say and do.  Casually ask if anyone knows “what’s happening with Bob?”  Look for evidence such as beer or liquor bottles in trash cans.  Check to see whether there are consistent purchases at a convenience store.  The list goes on.