Helping Families of Alcoholics Essay Example

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This is illustrated in the novel "You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone" when Marcus confesses, in broad daylight, that placing the bottle in his book bag had saved his life multiple times that day (140). Alcoholics have a belief that alcohol acts as their savior, causing them to depend on it rather than reaching out for support. Marcus, a character from "You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone," resorted to drinking as a result of family difficulties. To recover, Marcus had to acknowledge his problem with alcohol and eventually seek assistance instead of relying on alcohol. The majority of experts agree that managing alcoholism requires complete abstinence.

Both physiological and emotional factors can influence alcoholism. Certain physical characteristics may make individuals more susceptible to addiction, while emotions also play a role. Among alcoholics, self-hatred commonly leads to negative self-perceptions and the belief that even their own family members view them unfavorably. As a result, they may seek solace in alcohol or drugs to escape these thoughts and emotions (Claypool 23). The painting The Glass of Absinthe portrays a man and woman consuming drinks, with their expressions and body language conveying loneliness, unhappiness, despair, or depression - reflecting a similar theme.

Both men and women, including teenagers' parents who struggle with alcoholism, may seek solace in restaurants or bars. The upbringing of an alcoholic often stems from an alcoholic family, where they may turn to drinking to alleviate the emotional traumas of their childhood. However, this coping mechanism only exacerbates an alcoholic's issues. Jane Claypool, in her book Alcohol and You, emphasizes that alcohol impairs judgment, concentration, and comprehension (69). Consequently, alcoholics require substantial professional assistance to overcome their

addiction and regain control of their lives.

From "You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone", Marcus desperately needed assistance. He would sneak drinks from his parents' bar, relying on vodka to endure each dreadful day. This demonstrates the authenticity of fictional literature. When a parent is addicted to alcohol, it has an impact on every member of the family. Teenagers often live with uncertainty when their parents struggle with alcoholism, but it also affects adult family members. In the poem "The Power of Inclination", the wife remained uncertain and declared, "Love is driving me crazy" (line 1).

This quote reflects the wife's uncertainty about her love for her husband due to his alcoholism. According to Curtis, alcoholic parents often fluctuate between extremes. When sober, they can be loving and responsible, but when drunk, they may become wildly violent and abusive. In Questions And Answers About Alcoholism, a speaker admits that they sometimes wish their alcoholic parent were dead. In the poem The Power of Inclination, the wife expresses her desire for a quick death for her husband rather than a slow, painful one like he inflicted on her.

The resonance of her response with the actual quote lies in its accurate depiction of the desperation experienced by a family member yearning to break free from the repercussions of alcoholism, effectively illustrating the destructive impact this addiction has on individuals' lives. The lasting consequences of being raised in a household with an alcoholic often take years to manifest. Offspring of alcoholics face an increased likelihood of developing alcoholism themselves or entering into relationships with alcoholics. According to Claypool (99), approximately half of all American alcoholics have at least one parent

who struggles with alcohol dependency. The choices individuals make in response to their upbringing ultimately hold greater significance than the environment itself.

Teenagers have the ability to regain control over their lives, even if things at home may seem chaotic. In You'll Miss Me When I'm Gone, Marcus faced familial difficulties and turned to alcohol instead of seeking immediate assistance. This decision only made his problems worse, despite his parents not being alcoholics. Sometimes it is the parent who struggles with alcoholism, rather than the child. Melissa expressed her fear and began hiding in her closet to avoid confrontation, stating "It really scared me, and I started hiding in my closet so they wouldn't yell at me." This led Melissa to distance herself as much as possible due to significant distress.

She admitted that it was the only way she knew to survive (Mclaughlin & Hayouri 19). The poem "The Power Of Inclination" also illustrates this fact, as it depicts a wife willing to do anything, including killing her husband, to escape a situation plagued by alcohol. Teachers have the ability to assist teenagers by educating them on the importance of not feeling accountable for their parents' drinking habits. They can also help teens comprehend that it is solely the parents who bear responsibility for their alcoholism. Additionally, teachers can emphasize that attempting to cure their parents without professional help is not within the capabilities of teenagers.

It is important for teens to understand that venting, crying, and arguing with a parent is not productive. If the wife in The Power Of Inclination had followed these steps, she might not have resorted to a fatal decision. She contemplates

killing her husband due to the destructive impact of alcohol on their relationship. Both teenagers and adults who struggle with alcohol-related issues should acknowledge their emotions. Some young individuals may experience guilt as they sometimes resent their alcoholic parent. However, feeling this way is normal, particularly when a parent's drinking hinders them from providing necessary care and support for their children.

According to Grossahandler (68), it is important for teenagers to direct their hatred towards alcoholism rather than their parents. This applies to everyone in a situation involving alcohol. Ultimately, alcoholism is an addictive condition that causes harm to numerous families nationwide. Finding solutions is often challenging and the healing process takes time. Both fictional and factual literature on alcoholism accurately depict it as a significant issue that impacts many individuals. However, with perseverance and dedication, there is hope for families afflicted by this disease.