- The physical dependence on alcohol by the body is known as alcoholism. In most cases, the financial effects this can have on a family are tremendous, if not treated immediately. Keep in mind that alcoholics often consume alcohol in excess on a regular basis. This means that during work they are sometimes susceptible to consuming some alcohol. With increased finances leaving the family and going to the increased need for an alcoholic to consume, money is constantly leaving the budget on a revolving basis. Financial duties, such as bill payments, can be put at risk because it is 'necessary' for the alcoholic to get a fix. Beyond money leaving the family budget, alcoholics often put their job security in jeopardy. Mixing alcohol and work can produce inconsistencies that are generally noticed by supervising factions. Erratic behavior at work can add strain to working relationships. Since work is not being performed on a steady basis by the person afflicted with alcoholism, his family may ultimately be subject to constant job changes and standards of living as the alcoholism progresses.
- In America it is said that more than 17 million people drink in excess. Of the 17 million that drink in excess, 9 million are classified as alcoholics. The vast majority of these alcoholics are in fact involved in the child rearing or a familiar structure of some sort in which they have the power to influence. Young children who see the abuse of alcohol become more susceptible to abusing alcohol themselves and at an early age. Parental duties are often neglected, leaving children in charge of themselves. This becomes an obvious recipe for disaster as toddlers to teenagers need extensive attention for proper development. Children who are alcoholics become disconnected from their parental figures and often develop disdain for the family structure. Increased risky activity develops as well with those who are underage alcoholics, who are more susceptible to risky situations, such as pregnancy or the contracting of sexually transmitted diseases. Depression is often side effect of alcoholism, and this can place strain on relationships with everyone who is involved with the alcoholic. Marriages in which there is only one alcoholic often end in divorce. Alcoholics can often become physically and verbally abusive affectively severing emotional ties in the family relationship. The family can be solicited to lie for the alcoholic to cover his dependency to bill collectors, other family members, and agencies whose job it is to investigate the home environment standards.
- Among the emotional and financial implications alcoholism can have on a family, are also the increased physical risks on the alcoholic. The excessive drinking of alcohol means that the alcoholic is constantly wreaking havoc on their bodies internally. Alcoholism can cause major damage to the body specifically the liver, and can trigger a host of problems including diabetes. Withdrawal symptoms include nausea, anxiousness and sweating when a craving is experienced by an alcoholic. Alcoholics typically become withdrawn from social activity in order to dedicate more time to their physical dependency. With a heightened tolerance to alcohol through abuse, alcoholics often don't know when to stop drinking. This serves to increase the risk that they will need to be hospitalized due to their drinking in excess. If financial dependency of the family is staked in anyway on the alcoholic, often times this is a gamble that is lost. Decreased production because of illness serves to deprive the family of necessities, because of the alcoholics inability to provide to the same standard. Treatment for alcoholism is costly and if it is not sought in time, death can ultimately be experienced. This is a burden that is carried by all those who are left behind whether family or friends.
