There are a number of problematic issues that may arise from alcohol abuse, from physical and health concerns to those that impact the personal lives of the people in question — and those around them. Within this latter area, the negative impact of alcohol on many personal relationships is one of the most notable effects it may have on many people.
At Moonlight Mountain Recovery, we’re here to help with these and many related issues of alcohol and drug abuse. We offer the best alcohol rehabilitation and drug rehabilitation programs across Boise, promoting healthy recovery approaches that allow our patients to heal on all levels — mind, body, and spirit. Our programs include individualized care plans that address each person’s unique needs and goals for recovery. There are a number of ways in which alcohol abuse may negatively impact personal relationships. Here are several that stand out.
Codependency and Abuse Risks
In many cases, one of the most significant and troublesome effects of alcohol abuse within personal relationships is codependency. When one person in a relationship has an addiction, it’s not uncommon for the other person to develop what’s known as codependent behaviors. These often manifest as an excessive need to control the addicted individual, along with enabling their negative behavior patterns by making excuses or providing material support.
In some cases, the codependent individual may even develop their own substance abuse problems as a way of coping with the stress of their partner’s addiction. This can create a dangerous and toxic cycle of abuse within the relationship that can be extremely difficult to break free from without professional help.
If you suspect that you or someone you love may be in a codependent relationship with an alcoholic, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. These relationships can be very damaging and lead to further alcohol-related problems down the road.
Alcoholism and Domestic Violence
Another serious issue that may arise from alcohol abuse within personal relationships is domestic violence. Alcohol is a depressant drug that can lower inhibitions and lead to out-of-control behavior. This can increase the risk of violence, particularly in relationships where one or both partners have a history of abusive behavior.
If you suspect that you or someone you love is being abused by an alcoholic partner, it’s important to seek help immediately. There are a number of resources available to victims of domestic violence, and getting out of a dangerous situation is always the first priority.
Intimacy Problems
There are also direct connections between alcohol abuse and intimacy problems within personal relationships. Alcoholics may have difficulty maintaining healthy sexual relationships due to the effects of the disease on their bodies and minds. They may also develop erectile dysfunction or other problems that make sex difficult or impossible.
In addition, alcoholics may be less able to emotionally connect with their partners due to the changes in brain chemistry that occur as a result of chronic drinking. This can lead to problems with communication, trust, and intimacy. If you suspect that your partner’s drinking is affecting your relationship in a negative way, it’s important to talk to them about it. They may be dealing with underlying issues that need to be addressed in order for the relationship to improve.
Issues With Commitment
For some people, alcohol abuse may lead to problems with commitment in personal relationships. This is because chronic drinking can damage the part of the brain that regulates impulse control and decision-making. As a result, alcoholics may have difficulty making long-term plans or sticking to their commitments. They may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors that could put their relationships in jeopardy.
If you think that your partner’s drinking is causing problems with commitment, it’s important to talk to them about it. They may need help getting their drinking under control in order to improve the relationship.
Financial Problems
While it’s not technically a “personal relationships” problem on its own, we’re all well aware of how financial trouble can impact the people we care about. Alcoholism is an expensive disease, and it’s not uncommon for alcoholics to wind up in debt or even bankrupt as a result of their drinking.
This can put a lot of strain on personal relationships, particularly if the non-drinking partner is left to deal with the financial fallout.
For some who deal with alcohol abuse, the main issue is their inability to control their spending while drinking. In other cases, drinkers may lose their job due to absenteeism or poor performance, which can also lead to financial problems.
If you’re in a relationship with someone who is struggling with alcoholism, it’s important to be aware of the potential financial implications. You may need to help them get their spending under control or even take on additional financial responsibilities yourself.
Alcoholism and Child Abuse
Finally, it’s important to mention that alcohol abuse can also lead to child abuse. This is because chronic drinking can impair judgment and make it more difficult for parents to control their emotions. As a result, they may be more likely to lash out at their children physically or emotionally.
Child abuse is a serious problem, and it can have lasting effects on the victim. If you suspect that your partner is abusing your children, it’s important to get help immediately. There are a number of resources available to victims of child abuse, and getting out of a dangerous situation is always the first priority.
For more on how alcohol is known to impact personal relationships in many people who abuse it, or to learn about any of our alcohol rehab and recovery programs in Boise or nearby areas, speak to the caring staff at Moonlight Mountain Recovery today.
