Alcoholism: The Family Disease
by: James Howard, Licensed Professional Counselor
Director, Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program
Alcoholism is a family disease that affects every member of the family. Just as alcoholism follows a predictable, progressive course with the alcoholic, it does so with the family also. The following chart shows this very clearly.

PROGRESSION of ALCOHOLISM in the FAMILY Burial of feelings and problems Vague and unclear communication Confusion Chain reaction affect Unresolved conflicts Deterioration of relationships Emotional inconsistency Pretending & distortion of reality Unrealistic goals Excusing irresponsible behavior Embarrassing/blaming Abrupt shift in role responsibility "Walking on eggshells" Home remedies crisis to crisis to crisis Reproduced by permission Copyright 1976, Donald & Nancy Howard 2200 Bluff Blvd., Columbia, MO 65201

It is very frustrating to helplessly watch a loved one struggle with this disease. Not really knowing what to do, the family typically reacts to the alcoholic in ways that actually enable the problem drinker to continue drinking. I am not suggesting that this is done knowingly or intentionally.

From a framework of family systems, the untreated family with the disease of alcoholism has a systemic interest in maintaining the disease. Each member of the family seems to evolve into a survival role that, unintentionally, helps maintain the dysfunction. This is why it is referred to as a family disease. Treatment for alcoholism, therefore, should include the entire family.

The good news is that there is help available to assist in healing the family wounds and to facilitate help for the problem drinker. Without help, the disease of alcoholism will continue to follow a predictable, destructive path, for the alcoholic and the family.

For information or professional, confidential assistance, please call the Missouri Lawyers' Assistance Program (MOLAP) at 1-800-688-7859.