Social Drinking and Its Effects on the Family

Social Drinking and the effects on the family

I am familiar with Social Drinking and the effects on the family. I grew up in an environment where there was much alcohol abuse. My family had alcohol abuse issues on both sides. Both my friends and church leaders abused alcohol. Now, the problem has also effected young ones and new converts. Even our Gospel was been made mockery off because of the abuse of alcohol.

uot;,"sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A friend said of Social Drinking as it relates to his family “It's not easy to forget the family memories however: The many ruined holidays,  weekends and trips to camp. I remember hoping Christmas after Christmas this would be the one when Mum and Dad would not end up drinking and fighting.”

The fear of a Man becoming so drunk that it would kill him was also very intense. Due to his drinking, he would go into a type of asthma attack where he could not catch his breath. It was terribly frightening for a child. A boy stated “there was the fear of my friends seeing my parents in a drunken, arguing state. This was a source of shame and embarrassment to me as a teen. Because of their unavailability, I also began to turn to alcohol and other illicit activities to get my needs met”. On top of this drinking problems, is its impacted our family. I loved that man. But when he drank, it was scary. Once he holed himself up in his house with a shot gun. Another time he fell down and nearly broke his nose. When he walked into our house all bloodied, I was terrified. My mother has told me stories which I shall not repeat.

So just from these few stories you can clearly see that Social Drinking and the effects on the family can include: trauma to children, creating a fearful and unstable home environment, encouraging parentified children, and encouraging children to find solace in other people and things. The Scripture says “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1 Cor 6:12 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us 2 Thess 3:9.

Another clear effect of alcoholism on the family is the tendency for the pattern to be repeated. The pattern may not only be repeated in alcohol abuse. The pattern can be repeated in other substance abuse issues as well as codependency which involves many dysfunctional family dynamics. Research shows a well defined tendency for alcoholism to run in families.

The effects of Social Drinking and the effects on the family on the family are numerous. They include emotional symptoms like shame, anger, rage, low self-worth, stunted emotional development, irresponsibility as well as over responsibility, suppressed feelings, and dishonesty.  

Relational symptoms include things like intimacy issues, manipulation, codependency, domestic violence, sexual issues, lack of trust, and difficulty communicating. If you, like myself, have experienced the effects of alcoholism on your family, some of these symptoms will be resonating with you.

There are also long term physical symptoms caused by Social Drinking. They vary depending on the stage of one's alcoholism. However it is important to understand that alcohol causes damage to the brain as well as the central nervous system.

It also damages every organ system in the body. The longer and more intense the alcohol abuse the more serious the physical symptoms can be. Alcohol can result in anything from depression and anxiety to mental confusion and psychosis.

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Cor 7:1

Alcohol also damages the unborn child. Alcohol abuse during pregnancy can result in FAS or Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. FAS can cause any number of problems from facial deformities to learning disabilities to mental retardation. Even moderate drinking can result in problems for the unborn child.

All of this to say that the effects of Social Drinking and the effects on the family are devastating. If you or a loved one suffers from alcohol abuse or alcoholism please get professional help now. You can begin by speaking to your pastors or evangelist and asking for a referral. There is need for churches to offer programs aimed at helping people overcome the effects of social drinking on themselves and on the family.