Over 13 percent of adults in the United States will experience alcohol abuse or alcoholism at some point in their lives. In addition, more than half of all adults have a history of alcoholism in their families. Alcohol abuse is the number one drug problem in the United States. Alcoholism not only affects the life of the alcohol abuser, but also the lives of their spouses or significant others, their family members, and their children. While many couples struggle to overcome the challenges of alcoholism, it frequently leads to the breakdown of marriages and families.

When one spouse has an alcohol problem, divorce rates increase by a factor of four. It is incredibly difficult to have a functional relationship when alcohol is involved, because the needs and wants of the other person often or always come in second to the alcohol. Spouses often take over family obligations and suffer in order to avoid the problem or to make sure that others do not find out about it. The stress can ultimately lead to marital problems such as separation or divorce.

However, a person struggling with an alcohol problem may be functional in everyday life or may suffer from only mild effects. Sometimes alcoholics and alcohol abusers are able to hide their condition, even from their loved ones and doctors. In these cases, it is often only a matter of time before the problem spirals out of control.

Doctors often separate two types of alcohol problems: alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse is a term that refers to the problematic or excessive use of alcohol, which results in a failure to fulfill major family, work, home, or school obligations and continued use despite family, social, or personal problems caused by the drinking. Alcohol dependence is an even more serious, debilitating condition, also known as alcoholism, which can result in:

Changes in tolerance. Alcoholics may, over time, need more alcohol to sustain its effects.
Withdrawal. Alcoholics who attempt to stop drinking may experience severe withdrawal symptoms, including sweating, increased heart rate, tremors, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, anxiety, and seizures. To avoid these symptoms, alcoholics may consume more alcohol.
Loss of control. Alcoholics may drink more alcohol or for a longer period of time than they meant to.
Inability to reduce or stop consumption.
Spending a large amount of time each day drinking or recovering from drinking.
Avoiding or giving up social activities, work, and recreation.
Refusal to seek help for the alcoholism, despite knowing that the alcohol has caused or has worsened problems.

Divorcing an alcoholic spouse is a difficult, highly-emotional decision. To learn more about the link between alcoholism and divorce, separation, and child abuse, visit the website of the Raleigh divorce lawyers of the Marshall & Taylor Law Firm.

 

 

Alcohol and Child Abuse Discussion – An interview with Cheri Humphrey; plus celebration of “Hispanic Heritage Month”, all brought to you exclusively by the only HTN