Information for Friends and Families of Alcoholics

Information for Friends and Families of Alcoholics Addiction Coping and Recovery Methods and Support Print Information for Families of Alcoholics Dealing With Alcoholism in the Family By Buddy T facebook twitter Buddy T is an anonymous writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Learn about our editorial policy Buddy T Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on April 02, 2015 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on October 02, 2019 More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Methods and Support Overcoming Addiction Personal Stories Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use There are many resources on this site which are intended to help those who have a drinking problem, but also just as many for the families and friends of alcoholics. After all, alcoholism is considered a family disease that can affect  all members of the family whether they realize it or not.?? Do You Need Help? Why Do I  Need Help? Hes the Alcoholic!The disease of alcoholism affects everyone in the family, whether they realize it or not. Here is why alcoholism is a disease of the whole family, including the spouse and children. Even if the alcoholic seeks help, you may still need assistance to overcome the effects on you as a family member. How Can I Get Him to Stop?When family members of those who are alcohol-dependent ask the above question about a drinker, the answer is never simple.?? Enabling - When Helping Doesnt Really HelpMany times when family and friends try to help alcoholics, they are actually making it easier for them to continue in the progression of the disease.?? Quiz:  Are You Enabling an Alcoholic?Sometimes the things we think are helping are actually hurting. This quiz can show you which behaviors are enabling the alcoholic in your life. Quiz:  Alcohol Problem ScreeningAre you concerned you may be developing a problem with alcohol yourself??? Complete this for some answers. Quiz:  Adult Children of AlcoholicsDid you grow up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional family? Those who grow up in homes where there is  alcohol abuse  or alcoholism are sometimes affected in ways they do not even realize.?? How Families Are Affected by Alcoholism Enabling: Games Alcoholic Families PlayYou didnt cause it and you cant control it. But could you be contributing to the problem? If you find yourself locked into  playing a role in the alcoholics life, maybe you need to call time out. Denial - A Symptom of Alcoholism?One of the most frustrating factors in dealing with alcoholism, as a relative, friend or professional, is that alcoholism is almost always accompanied by a phenomenon known as denial.?? What About the Children in Alcoholic Families? Growing Up AlcoholicallyGrowing up in a home with an active alcoholic can affect how a child looks at life and almost everything in it.?? Adult ChildrenMost of us who grew up in families affected by the disease of alcoholism never really did grow up. What Can You Do to Help? InterventionSometimes when the alcoholics problems reach the crisis level the only choice left to his family is professional intervention.?? Detachment - Letting Go of Someone Elses ProblemFor the friends and family of the alcoholic, the key to serenity is finding the wisdom to know the difference between what they can and cannot change.?? Al-Anon Family GroupsThe Al-Anon Family Groups are a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope, in order to solve their common problems.?? Find out more about these groups and how to find one near you. Al-Anon Meeting Discussion TopicsA discussion of 40 topics of interest to families of alcoholics and newcomers to Al-Anon. How Alcoholism Affects Everyone in the Family