Alcoholism is an illness that consumes entire families. Because the feelings, thoughts and actions of everyone in the family are affected by the alcoholic's drinking, it is often called a family disease. Family members cannot control the alcoholic's drinking but they can control how it affects their own lives. It is a disease that develops slowly and often it takes years before a family may seek help.
Alcoholism is hereditary and certain people have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism.
A lcoholics often give reasons or excuses for continuing to drink and blame others for their drinking. Because alcoholism is a family problem, everyone in the family suffers. Shame - family members withdraw from social activities and keep others away from their home because they are embarrassed by the drinker's behavior. Insecurity - alcoholic behavior is unpredictable. As alcoholics drink more and more, they neglect family responsibilities.