The Effects of Alcoholism on Families: How Alcoholism Effects Families

Some studies challenge the belief that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between alcohol misuse and domestic violence. For instance, the majority of men who are classified as “high-level drinkers” do not abuse their partners. Rather, alcohol effects on relationships some researchers in the field of domestic violence postulate that the violent partner’s assaults are part of a pattern of abuse that is independent of alcohol consumption. Some individuals may use alcohol consumption to excuse their actions, but the blame is usually misplaced.

• They may experience loneliness, depression, guilt, anxiety, anger issues and an inability to trust others.
• You probably already know that excessive drinking can affect you in more ways than one.
• Alcohol can greatly increase the chance of aggressive behavior in some people and often plays a role in intimate partner violence.
• Children and young adults in families affected by substance abuse often face unique and long-lasting challenges that can disrupt their emotional, social, and psychological development.
• From damaging vital organs to impairing brain function and jeopardizing relationships, the negative consequences of excessive alcohol use are far-reaching.
• But there are ways you can recognize when alcohol might be negatively affecting your relationships — and when it may be time to get help.

The Influence of Alcohol on Relationships

• The current research aims to extend previous work in this area by evaluating effects of perceptions of partner drinking as problematic on relationship outcomes, and whether this varies as a function of partner’s self-reported alcohol use.
• The effect of beer intake was examined by Romeo et al. 52 who found that one month of daily beer consumption (equivalent to 12g/day of alcohol for women and 24 g/day for men) did not result in significant increases in BMI or WC compared to abstention.
• More recently, Testa, Crane, Quigley, Levitt, and Leonard (2014) recruited 152 married or cohabitating couples and randomly assigned both partners to a no-alcohol or an alcohol condition.
• The MEOS is induced through chronic alcohol intake, and the level of induction increases with increased intake 54, 67.
• Intimate partner aggression (IPA) is a critical public health problem that requires clear and testable etiological models that may translate into effective interventions.

Children and young adults in families with substance abuse are at a higher risk of developing substance use issues themselves. They may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with stress, escape their reality, or mimic behaviors they have seen at home. Families dealing with addiction often live in a state of continuous worry, fearing for their loved one’s safety and well-being. This ongoing stress can disrupt daily routines and affect overall mental health, leaving family members on edge. “I’ve always been interested in how our relationships impact our health behaviors.

Addiction Destroys Dreams, We Can Help

Conversely, other studies examined alcohol intake more thoroughly, considering frequency and amount per drinking day separately 15. French et al. 15 measured alcohol frequency ranging from 1–2 times per year to every day, while estimating the number of drinks per drinking day from 1–36. Such an analysis allows for a more complete description of participants’ drinking patterns, and is important as cross-sectional studies suggest that drinking frequency and intensity influence weight differently 14–16.

Factors that may Explain the Conflicting Findings between Alcohol Intake and body Weight

One of the main goals of codependency treatment is to help realign caregivers with their own needs so they can live personally fulfilling lives, rather than being in constant service to a loved one’s addiction. Finances are about more than the dollars earned; they also include earning potential. Studies show that drinking can affect work or academic productivity at every phase of working life. Students who binge drink in college may have lower grades, which can have a ripple effect across their employment prospects and salary potential.

Substance Use Treatment

The association between alcohol intake and body weight is generally stronger in men than women 15, especially because of the amount and type of alcohol consumed by men. Alcohol has been reported to account for 16% of adult drinkers’ total energy intake in the United States 68, with men consuming about three times the amount consumed by women 68. Men are also more likely to drink beer, which is carbohydrate rich, and provides more energy than wine per standard drink 5.

• However, to date there have been few intervention studies conducted to experimentally examine the effects of regular alcohol intake on weight gain or obesity in humans.
• Previous research has shown that substance use—particularly alcohol—can both strengthen and strain intimate relationships.
• A large-scale cross-cultural study published in Evolutionary Psychological Science found that people in relationships, particularly satisfying ones, report higher emotional wellbeing and life satisfaction compared to singles.
• A family member under the influence may become physically violent, lashing out at others, sometimes over minor triggers.

Constant Emotional Stress

A 2018 study found that alcohol had negative effects on both partners in a relationship for different reasons. Being in a relationship with someone with alcohol use disorder can be challenging. Your husband may pick fights with you when he drinks or you’re no longer as intimate as you were before.