How Alcoholism Impacts Your Relationships

When alcohol becomes an addiction, it affects more than just your body. The consequences of alcoholism extend beyond yourself to other people in your life. If your addiction has started to affect friends, family, or significant others, you’re not alone. The first step to getting help is understanding exactly how alcoholism impacts your relationships. Learn more about the symptoms and cost of alcohol addiction for both you and your loved ones with this overview.

Alcohol and Behavioral Changes

Every relationship is different, but they all rely on a few fundamental dynamics. All healthy relationships include trust, communication, and respect. A sense of stability and reliability are also important. Alcohol addiction makes it difficult to maintain all these things. Impaired judgment, increased aggression, and other behavioral changes alter the dynamic between two people, creating strain and conflict. Many individuals who suffer from addiction also become secretive, leading to lies and mistrust—two factors that hinder any relationship.

The Cost of Addiction

Addiction causes an individual to prioritize a substance until it becomes the center of their life. This can cost you a great deal both emotionally and financially. When your day revolves around alcohol, you put your loved ones on the sidelines. You might forget to do a favor or stop spending time with your loved one. In more severe cases, alcoholism can lead to individuals failing to pay child support or spending less and less time at home. The financial costs are also significant, as alcohol can drain your wallet. You might also face legal fines due to public intoxication or more serious charges, such as a DUI or violent crime. Both the emotional and financial stress worsen as alcoholism takes you further away from your loved ones and the responsibilities you owe them.

Seeking Help and Seeking Change

Recovering from addiction and healing your relationships are difficult tasks, but they’re not impossible. You can find help through rehabilitation programs, support groups, counseling, and other opportunities. Support groups also exist for friends and family who deal with a loved one’s addiction. Once you understand how alcoholism impacts your relationships, you can start taking responsibility for your actions. In addition to seeking help, it’s important to face the consequences of your addiction, including any legal or financial ramifications. If you face a DUI charge because of your addiction, Serenity Group can walk you through the resulting SR22 requirement. By comparing quotes for the SR22 online, you can quickly find the right insurance policy and turn your energy toward the most valuable things—and people—in your life.