Alcoholism Is a Family Disease
Alcoholism impacts not only the alcoholic, but all those who care about them. This disease destroys everything in its path—relationships, careers, and lives. It is ruthless and cunning.
Alcohol can turn our loved one into a completely different person; someone we no longer recognize. Due to the destructive behavior alcoholism causes, it can be difficult to separate the disease from the person we once knew and loved. This causes resentment to grow and feelings of hopeless to arise. We often feel powerless to stop the downward spiral as we watch this addiction tighten its grip on the user. Our lives can also become consumed by our loved one’s addiction. We may try to catch them in the act, or pour out their alcohol when we know all too well that they’ll just go out and get more. Some may even enable their loved one’s addiction, whether they realize it or not. They may make excuses for them, place blame on others, not hold them accountable, or not let them hit rock bottom, which is often needed for the addict to make a change in their lives.
It is extremely painful to watch this horrible disease destroy the person we love. No matter how hard we try to help them, the only way they can change is if they acknowledge they have a problem and want to get help for themselves.
I wanted to share a poem I wrote about my own personal experience with dealing with a loved one’s addiction.
The Monster Inside
You tried to keep the monster tucked inside
But it became something you could no longer hide
The poison has you in its grip and it won’t let go
It’s turned you into someone I don’t even know
It’s stolen your light and left only the dark
Now a man once so full of life has lost his spark
I wonder if it’s too late and if the damage is already done
I feel like it’s taken over, it’s already won
I fear my son will be left without a dad
Unable to remember the early memories you’ve had
Why won’t those around you open their eyes and see?
Just how naive can people really be?
I need you to fight the battle from within
Please don’t let this addiction win
You have kids who depend on you
I feel so helpless, but what more can I do?
You Are Not Alone
If you have a loved one who is suffering from addiction, know that you are not alone. There are support and resources available to help you. You can visit al-anon.org to find a meeting in your area and talk with people just like you who have been affected by their loved one’s drinking.
