It’s no secret that alcohol can take its toll on your body and your health. Alcohol affects relationships negatively too, including those with your partner, family members and friends. The results can be far-reaching and devastating.
Alcohol can ruin relationships as it often leads to erratic behaviours. So if you’re someone who is struggling with alcohol misuse, it’s vital to seek out a support network as soon as possible which can provide compassionate guidance as you seek treatment. Likewise, if you’re close to someone who has a problem with alcohol, it’s important to get support or professional help as soon as possible.
Close relationships and alcohol: How to deal with a partner that abuses alcohol
Dealing with a partner can be challenging and stressful and you may feel that alcohol is ruining your relationship. It helps if you first seek to understand the problem more deeply so that you can find a suitable way of approaching them about it. Compassion and open communication allow for understanding and respect as you discuss potential changes that need to be made.
Seek professional help together as a couple or individually to increase your knowledge, skills and understanding of how alcohol affects relationships. Most importantly, you need to take care of yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally throughout the entire process.
How does alcohol affect relationships with family and friends
Alcohol can have a devastating impact on families and close friends but, fortunately, there is help available.
Family therapy can be particularly useful, as it enables family members to gain insight into the situation and work closely together on finding solutions that are tailored to their individual circumstances.
In addition, educational workshops and support groups can provide alcohol and relationships advice, and information about how to best deal with those close to you that cannot control their alcohol intake. You’ll also learn how to improve communication within the family unit. Ultimately, it’s important for all loved ones to remember you’re not alone in coping with these challenges.
Professional help from therapists or counsellors as well as other individuals who can understand the negative effects of alcohol on relationships, can ensure that the process of recovery remains focused on compassion and hope for a better tomorrow.
The effects of alcohol on relationships with children
Alcohol abuse can become an insidious physical and mental disease that affects not only those drinking to excess but also those closest to them. This is particularly true for children who have close relationships with people who misuse alcohol, as the effects of living with someone battling alcohol abuse – especially a parent – can be significant.
Transitioning from a normal, healthy childhood environment to one filled with chaos and instability can lead to feelings of confusion and helplessness, as alcohol often takes precedence in the lives of those it has taken control over.
As a result, children may feel neglected and become socially withdrawn or develop substance abuse issues themselves. It’s important to recognise the effect that alcohol has on children and to provide the necessary support in order for them to overcome these traumas.
Where to find help regarding alcohol and relationships
The impacts of alcohol can reach far beyond the person with the problem, and can affect those closest to them emotionally such as partners and children. The stress of living with an addiction can be overwhelming. So it’s important for family members to understand they’re not alone.
Support groups provide a safe space for caregivers and family members who are affected by their loved one’s addiction. They offer guidance on how to best support the addict, in addition to granting access to invaluable resources to assist those trying to cope with the impact of alcohol in their own lives.
Attendees of these groups gain insight into the struggles faced by other individuals dealing with similar issues and receive help navigating through challenging situations which are unique to caring for someone suffering from alcohol misuse and addiction. Together, these support groups can create hope, even in the most difficult times.
Carers UK
www.carersuk.org
0808 808 7777
Family Lives
www.familylives.org.uk
0808 800 2222
Kinship
www.kinship.org.uk
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