Drinking is considered by many to be a harmless social activity. For some, however, it's an entrapping addiction. Life's day-to-day activities lose their appeal as the alcoholic opts for the numbing or euphoric effects of drink. Alcoholics and their loved ones suffer mentally, relationally and physically. This chain-reaction dependency disintegrates relationships, promotes violence and sends the alcoholic and his family into a seemingly endless cycle of drunkenness, anger and despair. Many addicts minimize the impact of their drinking and insist that their life and their habit is under control. Though the disease may appear insurmountable, change is possible with support from loved ones and God.

Background Information

Addiction Triggers
What causes the addiction cycles to begin?

Dr. Jekyll's Potion
The link between alcohol and violent behavior may be stronger than you think.

If You're an Alcoholic
Think you'll never be able to quit? There is hope.

But I've Got Reasons!
Alcoholics offer countless excuses for drinking. They simply don"t hold water.

Questions and Answers

My husband is an alcoholic. Can it be treated, and is there hope for families like mine?
Answer

Have you ever been concerned that exercising the concept of "tough love" in a marital crisis could potentially kill the marriage?
Answer

Stories

Absentee Father
One adult child of an alcoholic shares his experience of healing and hope.

Under the Influence
Growing up with an alcoholic father was frightening. In the end, I choose to give my father the gift of forgiveness.

It Would Never Happen to Us
Teen drug addiction is always some other family's tragedy, until it hits home.

If you've been through an experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
Share Your Story

Other Things to Consider

The Hungry Heart
Our souls seek satisfaction like a starving man seeks food. Regardless of race, culture or creed, we have one commonality: hungry hearts. What is it our souls hunger for? Relationship.

Where is God in the Midst of All My Troubles?
So many cry out to Him in times of need, but is God really listening? And, more important, does He care?

Life Pressures: Workaholism

Parenting Teens:  Drugs and Alcohol, Eating Disorders, Internet Concerns

Relationships:  Anger

Life Applications

The Support of a Friend
Admitting you need help is the hardest part of overcoming an addiction.

How to Do an Intervention
When a loved one just won't stop drinking, sometimes drastic measures are required. Once you've decided to try an intervention, how do you start?

When Coping Becomes Addiction
Understanding how addictions or poor coping skills meet needs can help break the cycle.

Who Needs Counseling?
Counseling is sometimes perceived as a "last resort," rather than a valuable source of help.

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