by Jim Burns, Ph.D.
It’s one of the most dangerous forms of drug abuse . . . perhaps because it’s so socially acceptable.
Alcoholism does not discriminate. It can affect both young and old, male and female. And we live in a culture where very little is done to discourage it.
I know how destructive alcoholism can be because I grew up with it in my home. Chances are you did, too – if not in your immediate family, perhaps a close relative was a victim. Of course, if you know someone with a drinking problem, then you’re a victim also. That makes you one of the thousands of unknowing victims of alcohol abuse.
The stereotypical alcoholic stumbles around in a stupor, unkempt, barely coherent, unable to keep a job or find a regular shave. In reality, however, alcoholics don’t look too much different than anyone else. They just need a steady dose of alcohol to make it through the day.
If you’re the adult child of an alcoholic, you probably remember what it was like growing up . . . wondering what kind of mood Dad would be in when he came home. It was a good day if Mom didn’t yell too much. You learned how to cope by avoiding the problem or doing everything you could to make sure the problem wasn’t you.
But undoubtedly you picked up a few bad habits and misconceptions of your own along the way . . . and now your kids are suffering.
If you grew up in a home where alcohol was an unspoken issue, talk to your pastor, or a trusted Christian friend. Prayer and forgiveness are key. Also, look into organizations like AlAnon for help. And if you’re a parent now and you want to make sure your children steer clear of alcohol, you’ll find a number of helpful tools in our Ministry Resource Library.
The bottom line here is . . . don’t try to do this alone. Get help – and make a brighter tomorrow for your children.
(Click here for information on Al-Anon and AlAteen. Click here for information on how you can obtain a copy of, Drug-Proof Your Kids, by Stephen Arterburn and Jim Burns, Ph.D.)
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