Some people drink so much that they pass out, which means they fall into a deep sleep. People who live in a family with an alcoholic often have many different feelings. You may feel guilty, thinking that you somehow caused the drinking problem. You may feel scared or worried that something bad will happen as a result of the drinking. Money that may be needed to pay bills is spent on alcohol or drugs.
Some kids feel embarrassed to ask friends over because of the alcoholic's behavior.
Others feel angry about being treated badly or having to take care of their younger brothers or sisters because the alcoholic cannot help. These are normal feelings. Sometimes, alcoholics realize on their own that they need to stop drinking. But for many, they do not get help until something bad happens, such as being arrested for a DWI , losing a job because of drinking, or hurting family members. The husband or wife of the alcoholic may have to threaten to leave unless the alcoholic stops drinking and gets help.