Being in a relationship with an alcoholic is stressful and difficult. It’s important to know what you need to do to take care of yourself.
Talking Points:
- Alcoholism, like many addictions, does not just impact the user. Partners and children are also affected.
- Al-Anon offers a variety of programs for friends and family of an alcoholic, from conferences to local face-to-face meetings, and even virtual support meetings.
- If you are the partner of someone dealing with addiction to alcohol, it’s okay to seek help for yourself. You cannot do it on your own.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read the following forum post from the Al-Anon Forum: I Learned I Am Not Alone. Do you feel alone in dealing with your alcoholic partner? Explain.
- What emotions do you feel when you allow yourself to think about your partner’s alcoholism? How do you interact with those feelings?
- Why is alcoholism referred as a “family disease?” In what ways have you seen alcoholism affect your marriage? Kids?
- What are the dangers of not addressing these issues?
- Plan your next step. Write down a firm goal that includes a deadline for either finding a counselor or establishing a connection with Al-Anon or a similar group.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
