Family - an important factor for AUD recovery
- Serena Bui
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
According to WHO (2018), over 3 million people have died due to alcoholic drinks in 2016. Aggressive use of alcohol has caused more than 5% of the global burden of diseases. Of all alcohol-related deaths, 28% are due to injuries such as road traffic accidents, self-harm and interpersonal violence; 21% are due to gastrointestinal diseases; 19% are due to cardiovascular diseases, and the remainder are due to infectious diseases, cancers, mental disorders and other diseases. Worldwide, an estimated 237 million men and 46 million women suffer from alcohol dependence, with the highest rates in the European region (14.8% and 3.5%) and the Americas region (11.5% and 5.1%). Alcohol dependence is more common in high-income countries.
Alcohol addiction is not only a burden to alcohol users but also a heavy stone on their families. The constant use of alcohol may lead to Alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is among the most prevalent psychiatric disorders and is associated with enormous public health costs (Montes, Schwebel, Tucker, Witkiewitz, 2020). Importantly, behaviours of people with AUD can severely affect their intimate relationships, including their partners, children and maybe parents. Spouses and children of adults with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) or other substance use issues often face emotional distress and health problems. For example, women with a partner who has AUD and drinks heavily report higher levels of depression, anxiety, physical complaints, and difficulties with work and social activities, and they tend to use more healthcare services (Boyer, Lambert & Tempier, et al., 2006; Mertens, Ray, Weisner, 2009; Stanley, 2018 as cited in Flanagan, McCrady, 2021). This is easily comprehensible as partners of AUD-diagnosed patients have been with them from the time they struggle with their disease and then have to assist them on their recovery journey. Inevitably, they will also suffer from exhaustion; therefore, directly affecting their efficiency and concentration at work. Likewise, children of parents with AUD often struggle with emotional, behavioural, and academic issues (Brennan, Hammen, Grekin, 2005; Chen, Weitzman, 2005 as cited in Flanagan, McCrady, 2021).
Children are the most vulnerable when it comes to parental-related issues, having parents with AUD is not an exception. Children often tend to mimic their parents' behaviours, which can result in future similar alcoholic addiction patterns. Living with parents who are usually drunk and may have aggressive actions or words could lead to emotional and mental damage from childhood. This stigma can follow them until their adulthood and further in their lives.
However, it is irrefutable that family is a crucial factor in patients’ recovery. Research has shown that family behaviour contributes to the rise in the possibility of seeking help from an individual with AUD (Bischof, Freyer-Adam, Iwen, et al., 2016). Important family actions that help start change include ignoring behaviours linked to alcohol or drug use, encouraging positive actions related to staying sober or getting help, letting the person experience the natural negative effects of drinking, and making clear and positive requests for changes in drinking habits, like drinking less or getting help (Meyers, Wolfe, 2004). Families and other members of the social network of individuals with AUD also play a crucial role in facilitating successful changes in drinking behaviour.
Although scientific research on specific family behaviours that promote successful recovery from AUD is limited, there is evidence that active partner coping is associated with positive outcomes. Types of active partner coping that support successful change include: (a) reducing negative or controlling behaviours that trigger drinking; (b) enhancing supportive and problem-solving communication; (c) reinforcing positive behaviour changes in the partner with an alcohol problem; (d) increasing shared positive activities; and (e) reducing drinking behaviour in family members to support changes in the individual with AUD (Epstein, McCrady, 2009).
In conclusion, family is highly affected by AUD people and also influences the AUD. Families which have AUD patients must be strong and have great effort together with AUD patients must fight their disease and recover for a better lifestyle and future.
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