How Alcohol Affects Relationships

Each member functions both as an individual and as an essential part of the group. Everyone has their role, and the roles present vary from one family to the next. Family systems theory grew out of the biologically based general systems theory.

• The genetic ties that make blood relatives so close can also hold the seeds of compulsive or addictive behaviors, and the self-harming actions that children observe in their parents can become habits that affect their own lives as they grow.
• They may suffer from anxiety and depression as well as behavioral problems.
• Most controlled trials of these treatments have compared either the family-involved treatment to treatment without the family member, or variations on the specific treatment (e.g., ABCT with or without involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous).

Three major approaches in family systems therapy have evidence supporting their efficacy and should be noted, although most of the controlled trials of these treatments have been conducted primarily with adolescents with AUD or other SUD. Family can be one of our greatest sources of physical security and emotional support. But family environments can also foster destructive emotions and behaviors, including substance abuse and addiction. The genetic ties that make blood relatives so close can also hold the seeds of compulsive or addictive behaviors, and the self-harming actions that children observe in their parents can become habits that affect their own lives as they grow.

How Alcohol Abuse Affects Relationships With Children

In some cases, a relative or friend may take on caring responsibilities for children when a parent experiences an alcohol use problem. These carers are known as kinship carers; ‘somebody who cares for the child of a relative or friend on a full-time basis’ [49]. This role is often taken on by grandparents; Grandparents Plus estimate that around 45% of kinship care arrangements with grandparents are due to drug or alcohol use.

Heavy alcohol consumption can also cause malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies which can further contribute to alcohol’s detrimental effects on the brain. In some cases, people may develop alcohol-related dementia or a cognitive disorder known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Loved ones of people with alcohol use disorder may feel less empathy for them and become more frustrated with them as time passes. We get how challenging this can be, but it may help to learn about how alcohol affects the brain. And Laurel House are committed to the advancement of racial equity and social justice, and to making mental health services available to all. While unfortunate to note, alcohol can impact the lives of the family members as much as the drinkers themselves.

What Support Is Available For Loved Ones Of Alcohol Addicts?

While 12-step programs and inpatient rehabilitation are standard options, thanks to years of research, everyone can find a solution to help them reach sobriety. Addiction can cause you to value spending money on alcohol instead of prioritizing financial health for yourself and your family. They may lie to their partner or family about where they are, who they spend their time with and what they did during the day. As the addiction progresses, they may devise more elaborate excuses to hide their drinking problems. A friend or partner may constantly hear reasons for being late, disappearing or mood swings. One of the most challenging aspects of alcohol addiction is that you, the addict, may not realize that you have a problem.

Increased collaboration between investigators and treatment providers with dyadic and family expertise pertaining to AUD is warranted in future integrated and large-scale efforts. Community-based studies of these dissemination efforts also are needed to advance provider education and training efforts and to promote utilization of the full scope of couple and family treatments for AUD that are how does alcohol affect relationships both available and efficacious. When looking for the potential signs of addiction, remember that substance abuse affects many areas of an individual’s life, and one or two changes in habits or appearance do not necessarily prove that a loved one is abusing drugs. These changes may also be caused by conditions such as depression, personal loss, job stress, or a difficult life transition.