Colorado Springs is a beautiful home rule municipality in Colorado. It is home to more than 470,000 people as per a 2018 survey. The city has a vibrant health care sector providing services like family therapy, physical therapy, etc.
Like for most people around the world, a family is important to Colorado Springs residents. However, some families face misunderstandings and conflicts due to issues like financial difficulties, alcoholism of a spouse, and substance abuse disorders of a son or daughter. However, there are also effective remedies to these problems like seeking professional help from clinics that do family therapy in Colorado Springs.
Adverse effects of alcoholism to families
Based on data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 14.4 million American adults aged 18 and older suffered from alcohol use disorder (AUD) in 2018. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, meanwhile, cited several effects of problem drinking to family members and the whole community. Here are some of them:
- Financial difficulties – Alcoholics can spend their money allotted to other things to buy alcoholic drinks. They are also more likely to practice impulsive buying due to their lowered inhibitions. These practices can lead to financial troubles for the family.
- Abandonment of family responsibilities – Alcohol can impair a person’s physical capacity and cognitive functions. This impairment can result in failure to carry out activities at home, at work, and in school.
- Inability to meet commitments – The short-term harmful effects of alcohol like hangovers can disrupt an individual’s capability to fulfill his obligations and responsibilities.
- Involvement in legal troubles – Being drunk can result in legal issues like unruly behavior in public, driving under the influence, and domestic violence.
- Development of unhealthy behaviors – Alcoholics is at high risk of developing destructive habits like sedentary lifestyle and poor eating.
- Marital problems – Alcoholism of a spouse can result in infidelity, domestic violence, unplanned pregnancy, marital stress, jealousy, and divorce.
- Adverse physical and mental effects on kids– Children of alcoholics are more likely to develop emotional problems than those who are living in sober households. These kids are also more likely to become alcoholics themselves.
Effective ways to support alcoholic loved ones
It is essential to support alcoholics proactively to treat them and maintain good family relations. Here are some tips to help a loved one with AUD:
- Talk to your alcoholic members about the adverse effects of their vice and why they need to stop drinking.
- Know the possible causes and other essential facts about alcoholism to understand your loved one better.
- Seek the help of other family members and the victim’s friends to show their support and encourage him/her to change.
- Enter your loved one in individual therapies, rehabilitation programs, and medically-supervised detoxifications.
- Engage in family therapy provided by reputable clinics that offer family therapy in Colorado Springs to improve your communication and connectedness.
- Show your love and affection when voicing out or expressing your concerns.
- Establish clear personal boundaries when your loved one does not want your help.
- Provide support to your patient when he/she wants to change. Accompany him/her when attending individual therapy or family therapy and doing other activities like exercising.
Living with alcoholics can be a stressful and frightening experience for all family members. However, you need to be brave and take the necessary steps to help your loved one and maintain good family relationships. It would be best if you seek professional assistance to help your loved one become sober again.