How Alcoholism Affects Your Family and Social Life

Alcoholism is a disease that can have lasting effects not only on the drinker but also on their family and friends. The alcoholic usually does not realize the impact that their behavior is having on their relationships. If they do they tend to ignore it or downplay it.

Mental health
Alcoholism has a negative impact on your mental health. While alcohol is often used as a self-medication for those with existing mental problems it can actually worsen the situation. Many people with alcohol dependency suffer from depression, anxiety and even suicidal tendencies. Alcohol can make these symptoms worse thereby affecting the family and friends as well.

Alcoholics often tend to push away family and friends if they try to suggest that they have a drinking problem. Often the alcoholic becomes removed from their close friends and family and gravitates towards those who approve of their drinking.

Abuse
Children of alcohol abusers are more likely to suffer abuse when the parent is drinking. This abuse is often both mental and physical. Family violence is greatly increased when alcoholism is involved. Children of alcoholics often develop psychological problems and may even become an alcohol abuser themselves as an adult.

Often people who would not normally be abusers become that way while drinking. Alcohol can often change the character of the person and they may do or say things that they usually wouldn’t. They can become easily enraged. Family members may become afraid of the alcoholic and may avoid being near them when they drink. If things can’t change they often must leave for their own sake and to avoid abuse of them or the children.

Social Situations
Alcohol abusers often have problems making and maintaining social relationships. Friends may no longer want to go out for social drinks knowing that the situation becomes an excuse for the person to abuse alcohol. This can lead to embarrassing situations and can even turn dangerous if the alcohol abuser gets behind the wheel. Rather than deal with the situation friends may feel better off to just avoid social contact entirely.

Alcoholics like to be in situations that revolve around drinking. This helps them to fit in and be part of the group. They may spend more and more time at the bar and less time at home with their families. Their drinking can also affect their work and they may even lose their job, putting another hardship on the family.