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Addiction treatment
Alcoholism in the family
When someone in the family drinks, the whole family suffers. Family members often start living around the drinker: trying to control the drinking, hiding the consequences and taking over their responsibilities. This is called codependency.
Signs of codependency
- Your thoughts and feelings constantly revolve around the drinker
- Trying to control their behaviour while denying or downplaying the problem
- Constant fear, anger, guilt and shame
- Neglecting your own needs and health
- Children taking on adult responsibilities
Long-term stress also affects family members' health: sleep, blood pressure, digestion and mood.
What you can do
- Focus on yourself. You cannot control another person's drinking, but you can control your own behaviour and life.
- Don't cover up the consequences. Constantly solving the drinker's problems and doing their duties can end up supporting the drinking.
- Talk when they are sober. Calmly say what you see and how it affects you, and offer to help them find treatment.
- Get help for yourself too. Recovering from codependency takes time. A psychologist, psychotherapist, family therapy and support groups can help.
Addiction treatment works better when the family is involved. Our doctor helps find the right treatment and also counsels family members.
If you or your children are in danger
In case of violence or threats, call 112.
Victim Support crisis line 116 006 (24/7).
Child Helpline 116 111 (24/7).