Effects of Alcoholism
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16

Effect of Alcoholism on Family and Friends.
When one person has alcoholism, it affects the lives of about 4 to as many as 7 others.
Alcoholism can cause:
Anger and resentment.
Insecurity (feeling you can’t depend on the alcoholic).
Denial (not wanting to accept or even admit to themselves that there is a problem).
Guilt (thinking the problem is their fault).
People blaming each other for the problem.
Money problems (drinking is expensive!) some people even lose their jobs.

Friends and family involved with an alcoholic should remember the 3 c’s:

1. You did not cause the drinking.
2. You cannot control it.
3. You cannot cure it.

Skilled professionals can help family and friends convince alcoholics to
finally admit they have a problem. Only the drinkers themselves
can actually control the problem and change their drinking behavior.

Children of Alcoholics (COAs) are special people.
While it’s not guaranteed they’ll have problems, they do face special risks, such as:

Becoming alcoholic or developing other drug problems. This is true, in part, because, like many other diseases, alcoholism tends to run in families.
Marrying alcoholics (and becoming co-dependent).
Not feeling good about themselves
they can reduce their risks by taking care of themselves. This means getting involved
in activities they enjoy that let them use their talents or help them learn new skills.
The main objective in all this? Keeping busy and productive while having fun!

Help is also available from:
Al-Anon
Alateen
Alcoholics Anonymous (if they also have a drinking problem)
Any supportive and caring adult, teacher, coach, counselor, neighbor, or relative

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