Is alcohol hurting your relationship? You may have discovered alcohol’s effects on family and the dynamic of your relationship in several areas, such as communication, intimacy, or daily responsibilities. Alcohol’s effects on family, friends, and partners can break down a relationship to the point where you may need professional help from an alcohol rehab center.
Some of the signs that alcohol is hurting the relationship may include:
- Conflict in the family
- Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Isolation from other family members
- Lying and deceit to continue the habit
- Breakdown of spousal or family relationships
An addiction treatment center in Toledo, Ohio, offers family therapy and treatment for spouses and families of those who are suffering from alcohol use disorder. Family therapy can help a family member get a better understanding of how alcohol affects the relationship and hurts the home. Is alcohol hurting your relationship? Let’s take a closer look at the signs of alcohol use disorder and addiction below.
Alcohol Consumption Is Causing Conflict
A person who binges regularly may be oblivious to the strain that they are putting on others. Often in their world, alcoholics may not be aware of the consequences of their actions. Or, they may choose to ignore how their actions are hurting others due to their desire to drink.
Alcohol use disorder or addiction causes problems because the drinker’s actions are often risky, dangerous, or harmful to others. They may cause embarrassment or disrupt the flow of daily life. It can cause emotional pain, frustration, and friction with other members of the family.
Alcohol Is Vital to the Relationship
It may seem odd, but some relationships thrive on binge drinking. Two people in a relationship who are both hard drinker may not know how to function or have a good time without alcohol. When drunk, two people who may not get along may suddenly find common ground when engaging in risky behavior. This kind of codependency is unhealthy and can not only damage relationships but the health of those involved.
Substance abuse treatment programs often address alcohol’s effects on family and this type of dynamic in therapy. People often discuss how others are more fun to be around when they are intoxicated. Therefore, people encourage drinking either overtly or passively. These types of problems with alcoholism manifest when one or both people in the relationship finally go too far and do something that has severe consequences.
Alcoholism Is Leading to Deception and Dishonesty
For some people, alcohol is a point of contention in a relationship. They may have decided to stop drinking or have an aversion to drinking altogether. In either case, the drinker often feels threatened when other people in the family choose not to drink or have grown intolerant to alcohol.
Instead of being accountable to their partner, parents, or children, an individual may deceive others and mask their dependency. They may be dishonest about the extent of their problem with alcoholism or that they may need to get help from an alcohol addiction treatment program.
Once binge drinking leads to deception and dishonesty, it is time to consider professional treatment.
Drinking Leads to Isolation
One of the defining characteristics of alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder is isolation. When dependent, an individual may find themselves choosing alcohol over their relationships. They may spend all their time drinking or isolating themselves so that they can avoid scrutiny from others.
These actions can alienate family and friends leading to relationships ending. Children, parents, or spouses may distance themselves from the drinker so that they don’t have to experience the emotional pain they feel when the person drinks.
Midwest Recovery Center
Alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorder can have a severe impact on families and relationships. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse, then reach out to Midwest Recovery Center. We offer a variety of addiction treatment therapies at our addiction treatment center in Toledo, OH.
Contact Midwest Recovery Center at 833.627.0039 to explore your treatment options and get started with your recovery program today.
