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Addiction to Alcohol/alcoholism in the family
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Question
What is your clinical impression of how substance abuse can be viewed as a coping mechanism and as an indication of an underlying family issue. I have several alcoholics in my family. They all deny they have a "problem". Thank you
Hi Tracy,
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The common view of substance abuse is that there's no one reason for it. There are different components:
biological -- there may be a genetic predisposition (alcoholic parent, grandparent etc)
psychological-- You convince yourself that 'drinking is fun' etc.
social -- If your friends and/or family members do it, you're one of the crowd.
With any stress or emotion an alcoholic finds a reason to drink. They drink to take the edge off. They drink to celebrate. They drink when they're angry, sad etc. They believe that they're coping, but they're not coping at all, because they're not dealing with the issue. When they're sober, problems don't go away -- so that's a call for another drink.
Denial is a whole other issue. Alcoholics don't want to admit that the drink controls them. This would mean that they have to stop. They tell themselves that they can stop 'anytime'.
They have a love/hate relationship with the drink, but blame everyone but themselves for drinking. This keeps their denial. They may also surround themselves with other drinkers, telling themselves that compared to them 'they are not that bad'.
They have to be pushed, by a wife, a partner, the police etc., and given an ultimatum where they have no choice -- stop drinking, get help or else.
In AA language this is called hitting a bottom. An alcoholic must be confronted with the consequences of their behavior, if not, they'll remain in denial.
I hope this answers your question
Thank you for asking AllExperts
Beverley Glazer
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com
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Answers by Expert:
Beverley Glazer
Expertise
I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.
Experience
I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.
Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association,
For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com
Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor,
CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.
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