ALCOHOLISM- The Game the Whole Family Plays

Intro:

On the 30th of October it will have been 6-years since I (Jaana) last had the chance to celebrate my eldest brothers birthday with him. Born in 1977, it was his 40th trip around the sun. Little did we know, we would lose him just three weeks later. Janne’s liver gave out, his battle with the bottle and goon bags came to an end. As did the detox, rehab, and hospital visits.

The following is written to honour the individuals, families, and loved ones currently living through this nightmare. Wondering if it will ever end. I want to let you know I see you and genuinely hope you win!

The Unwelcome House Guest

Alcoholism is a relentless monster invading every aspect of a person's life, tearing apart families and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. It's a game that nobody wants to play, but once you're caught in its grip, it becomes a battle for survival.

Imagine waking up every morning with a sinking feeling in your chest, knowing that the person you love is slowly slipping away. You watch as their once vibrant personality fades into a haze of alcohol-induced numbness. Their laughter becomes hollow, their eyes lose their sparkle, and their spirit withers away. It's like watching a beautiful painting being slowly erased, stroke by stroke, until there's nothing left but a blank canvas.

For the alcoholic, every day is a struggle. The cravings, the guilt, and the shame consume their thoughts, driving them deeper into the clutches of addiction. They desperately want to break free, to reclaim their life and find solace in sobriety. But the grip of alcohol remains strong, and it takes an immense amount of strength and determination to break free.

The Family Dance

The battle doesn't end with the alcoholic. The whole family becomes entangled in the game, each member playing their role, whether they want to or not. Parents become enablers, trying to shield their child from the consequences of their actions. Siblings become caretakers, shouldering the burden of responsibility and trying to keep the family together. Spouses become warriors, fighting for their partner's sobriety while grappling with their own pain and fear. Periods of sobriety are also met with bated breath, praying that this time sobriety would not be attached to another lapse.

The consequences for children growing up in this chaos can last a lifetime. The loss of a parent to alcoholism is a devastating blow that shatters the very foundation of a child's world. Imagine a young, innocent soul, filled with dreams and aspirations, suddenly thrust into a world of chaos and despair. They watch helplessly as their once loving and nurturing parent succumbs to the grip of addiction, becoming a mere shadow of who they once were. The child's heart breaks as they witness the slow erosion of their parent's presence, their love, and their ability to provide the care and stability that every child craves.

In the absence of a sober and reliable parent, the child is left to navigate the treacherous waters of life alone. They grapple with feelings of abandonment, confusion, and a profound sense of loss. Their childhood is stolen from them, replaced with a heavy burden of responsibility far beyond their tender years. They become the caretaker, the protector, and the one who must bear the weight of their parent's addiction. Their innocence is shattered, replaced with a painful understanding of the harsh realities of life. The void left by their absent parent is a constant ache in their heart, a reminder of what could have been, and the scars left behind will forever shape their journey through life.

The Perfect Storm

The emotional toll is immense. It's a rollercoaster of hope and despair, as each attempt at sobriety is met with the fear of relapse. It's a constant cycle of disappointment and heartbreak, as promises are broken and trust is shattered. The family members become experts at hiding their pain, putting on a brave face for the outside world, while inside, their hearts are breaking.

Problematic substance use is never just about the addict. It's about the family members who are left picking up the pieces, trying to hold everything together while their own lives crumble around them. It's about the sleepless nights spent worrying, the tears shed in secret, and the constant fear of losing the person they love.

Hold On—Pain Ends (HOPE)

But amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope. Recovery is possible, and it's important to hold onto that hope, no matter how dim it may seem. It's about finding strength in community, in support groups and therapy sessions, where others who have walked the same path can offer guidance and understanding. It's about learning to set boundaries, to take care of oneself, and to find solace in the midst of chaos.

This is a battle that no sane person wants to partake in, while also a battle that can be won. It's about finding the courage to face the monster head-on, to fight for a better tomorrow, and to reclaim a life that has been stolen by addiction. As long as there are signs of life, there is hope. It is not too late.

Support is Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of alcoholism in the family, I encourage you to seek help and support. Sisu Life Design offers professional counseling services that can provide guidance, healing, and a safe space to navigate the challenges of living with addiction. Their experienced counsellors are trained to address the unique needs of individuals and families affected by alcoholism, offering strategies for coping, rebuilding relationships, and finding hope in the midst of despair.

Reaching out for counselling is not a sign of weakness, but rather a courageous step towards reclaiming your life and finding a path towards healing. Sisu Life Design can provide the tools and support necessary to break free from the crazy making cycle of a alcoholic family system; moving towards a future filled with hope, resilience, and sobriety. Counselling is provided as an online service to ensure it is accessible to all who need support.

Contact Us

Remember, you are not alone in this battle. Others have walked a similar path and can offer understanding and guidance. Together, we can rewrite the rules of the game and create a future where families affected by alcoholism can find solace, strength, and a renewed sense of purpose. Reach out to Sisu Life Design today and take the first step towards a brighter tomorrow.

Website: https://www.sisulifedesign.com.au/problematic-substance-use

Email: Jaana@sisulifedesign.com.au