The spouse of the alcoholic also takes on a role known as the enabler. This role player makes excuses for the alcoholic in areas such as jobs and social life. Family members feel normal emotions but to a greater extent than a normal family would feel. Family members are forced to second guess what the alcoholic would want done and they are often punished if their guess is not correct. Self esteem diminishes, friends may disappear, jobs may be lost, and it s all due to trying to cover up the alcoholic s disease.
Children of alcoholics suffer in school as well.
Not only do they not have as much time to study and do their homework but they may live in fear of someone discovering the truth about the dysfunctional family they live in. The family is affected by the alcoholic s behavior more than most people think. Helping an alcoholic can be very difficult, especially since their problems vary from one person to another. There are a number of treatments for alcoholics. Such as Alcoholics Anonymous, which are meetings that help alcoholics with their recovery.