Why alcoholism is called a family disease? This is because, when you become an alcohol addict, you cut off from your family, neglect your spouse and children, forget important anniversary and birthday dates, stop enjoying family gatherings, disappoint people in your life, start lying to your parents and do not make any effort to make them feel comfortable with you.
Addiction of one family member takes a toll on the entire family’s health, happiness and stability. Everyone gets affected right from kids to teens, parents, spouse and grandparents. Everyone lives a disrupted and stressed life, just because of one person’s addiction. What to do in such a case?
If you’re an addict:
You should immediately look for professional assistance. Meet an addiction specialist and find out if you need a residential alcohol addiction treatment.
Go for clinical evaluations as soon as possible to know if you are suffering a physical problem as well. You may go alone or take along your spouse or a trusted family member or a friend for that matter.
Meet a psychologist and identify if it is just your alcohol addiction or an associated mental disorder that’s causing more troubles. Do not hesitate in front of a psychiatrist and be open. Remember you’re not the only suffering from addiction. There are millions others having same signs and symptoms. So, chill and openly talk about your problem.
Look for a reputed addiction treatment center near your home or your city and enroll into a suitable treatment plan. In the mean time, don’t forget to communicate with your family members about your problems and possible solutions.
If your loved one is an addict:
Try to convince your loved one to enroll into an alcohol addiction treatment program.
Arrange for a professional intervention if you fail to convince your loved one to stop drinking and take a treatment. Do everything possible without being harsh or strict with them, as they may take some extreme step.
Accompany them to their clinical and psychological evaluations and lend complete support and love to make them feel wanted. Help them believe that they can recover and soon they will be leading a routine normal life like others.
Identify a suitable treatment program for them so that they can overcome their addiction and regain control over their life.
Enroll them into a reputed facility that offers excellent accommodation and treatment facilities. Make sure to find a center close to your home or city, so that you can meet them on regular basis.
Be a part of their struggle and constantly make them feel loved and wanted. Give them strength and show them that you are always there for them.
Take positive actions no matter whether you’re an addict or your loved one is battling addiction. It plays a great role in winning back a normal and healthy life not only for an addict but for the entire family. Stay away from the blame game and focus more on recovery.