The Negative Effects of Alcohol on Family: Phenomena of Alcohol - Research Paper Example

1. Introduction The development of family as a fundamental part of the society is among the priorities of governments worldwide. Family can influence the personal perceptions and the behaviour of its members and for this reason it has to be appropriately protected and supported by state. However, despite the fact that family is closely related with the social and scientific development of a particular society – within the context explained above, i.e. through preparing its members for their social/ professional life – it is not always supported by the state – at least not at the required level. In accordance with the issues developed above, the development of negative behaviour/ customs by individuals can be explained using their family history. The consumption of alcohol has been related with the personal attitudes and experiences of a person but mainly with his/ her family environment. The specific view is also supported by Hodgson, the study of which led to the assumption that ‘family interventions should be towards the top of the list of effective alcohol prevention and treatment approaches’ (Hodgson, 2004, 86). It should be noticed that other methods of preventing alcoholism, like through the appropriate medical treatment, have been also proved effective when dealing with the specific problem. Towards this direction, Yamada et al. (2008) noticed that ‘screening and interventions for alcoholism in primary care has been demonstrated to reduce drinking’ (Yamada et al., 2008, 3). Alcoholism is one of the most severe social problems in societies internationally. In Britain, the consumption of alcohol has been estimated to 90% of the country’s adults (Patient, UK, 2008, online article). At a next level, the specific problem presents an incremental trend. The consumption of alcohol can lead to severe problems of health – if it is not appropriately controlled. In a relevant research it has been revealed that ‘in UK alcohol misuse accounts for more than 20,000 premature deaths per year and 70% of all admissions to A + E departments per year during busy episodes’ (Patient, UK, 2008, online report). Current paper focuses on the effects of alcohol on family life – i.e. its direct and indirect effects on children and adults in modern families. Alcohol has been found to be related with a series of problems within families causing even genetic influences on children – when the consumption of alcohol takes place during the pregnancy. The limitation of the consumption of alcohol (and its negative effects on family) can be achieved only through the application of specific measures – usually initiated by the state – however the active participation and the willingness of individuals are required for the success of any relevant effort. 2. Alcohol and family 2.1 Genetic influences of alcohol on family system Alcohol can have genetic influences on the members of a family when the consumption of alcohol is made by the mother during the pregnancy. However, the consumption of alcohol by the father can also have genetic influences on children, especially when the father consumes high quantities of alcohol on a regular basis. The above issues have been extensively examined in the literature and the empirical research. Referring especially to the effects of paternal consumption of alcohol and its genetic influences of children, Grekin et al. (2005) noticed that ‘paternal alcohol use disorders (AUDs) may be associated with child executive functioning and Family stress, which may in turn lead to child delinquency’ (Grekin et al., 2005, 14). As for the effects of alcohol consumption by the mother, the results of researchers seem to vary. At a first level, it has been found that ‘alcohol ingestion up to moderate levels in pregnancy was not associated with deficits in either weight or head circumference (HC) at birth or at 5 years’ (O’Callaghan et al., 2003. 137). However, it is made clear by the above researchers that the alcohol consumption when it is combined with smoking can lead to problems in pregnancy – but this is rather a result of the simultaneous development of these activities: alcohol consumption and smoking. On the other hand, it has been revealed that alcoholism – like other diseases – can be related with specific genetic characteristics of individuals. A potential relationship with other diseases has been also identified. An indicative example is the case of schizophrenia – a disease that has been found to be genetically associated with alcoholism. Indeed in the study of Namkung et al. (2005) it is noticed that ‘by comparing 74 genes to the published results of various linkage studies of schizophrenia, we identified 13 alcoholism associated genes that were located in the regions reported to be linked to schizophrenia’ (Namkung et al., 2005, 6). Of course, the above study cannot lead to the assumption that alcohol consumption has to be considered as expressing genetic trends for schizophrenia. It is just an indicator of the fact that alcoholism can be explained using a person’s genetic characteristics – as also in the case of other diseases. It should be noticed that alcohol can influence a person’s genetic characteristics not only indirectly – i.e. through his/ her parents but also directly. More specifically, in cases that alcohol is consumed at high quantities – either in adolescence or in adulthood – it can affect the mechanisms of body’s resistance to specific diseases or the operation of organs. In this context, alcohol can influence a person’s genes and lead to severe problems of health – if not appropriately handled. 2.2 Alcohol in family and children’s attitudes In accordance with the issues developed above, alcohol can influence the genetic characteristics of members of the family – especially when referring to children of parents that consume high quantities of alcohol on a regular basis. In this context, children that already have genetic influences by alcohol could be expected to develop similar behaviour during their life – at any stage of life. However, the progress of science has offered to the practitioners the ability to intervene in such cases and effectively support the children that have been affected by their parents’ alcoholism – the above affection is usually expressed as problems in socializing and developing the appropriate cognitive skills. In the study conducted by Baer et al. (1995) it was proved that ‘family disharmony was directly related to adolescent alcohol use and social skills; parental alcohol use was related only to adolescent usages, not to social skills’ (Baer et al., 1995, 127). In other words, the alcoholism of parents can affect a child’s behaviour at the level that the child has to deal with specific behavioural patterns within his/ her family. However, it is not made clear how a child could develop a different response, i.e. avoid the consumption of alcohol, when the specific behaviour is presented as acceptable by the family. The fact that a normally negative behaviour, like the over-consumption of alcohol, is accepted by the family could affect a child’s personal attitudes – from the moment that the negative (as the society sets it) is presented as positive – and in this case the social skills of a child would be also negatively affected. On the other hand, the study of Barnow et al. (2007) led to the following findings: ‘no higher risk for attention problems and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-like symptoms in the children of families with an alcohol use disorder’ (Barnow et al., 2007, 1). In other words, children in families with a problem of alcohol disorder are not expected to have attention problems – an issue that is particularly important for school. There is no reference to other potential effects of alcohol misuse within the family on children’s personal attitudes. As in all cases where difficulties in communication are developed within the family, a problem of communication with a person’s social environment can be expected to appear. 2.3 Alcohol as a cause of family problems Alcohol could lead to severe family problems from many different aspects. At a first level, the financial effects of alcoholism on family can be quite severe. In case of alcohol misuse, the amount required regularly – usually on a daily basis – for alcohol can be extremely high. For this reason, severe financial difficulties can appear in families with such a problem. Because of this situation, alcohol could further lead to conflicts within the family. The limitation of alcohol consumption is not easily achieved and from this side of view even if such an effort is made – under the pressure of the family – the need for appropriate support – by a practitioner – cannot be doubted. The above assumptions are in accordance with the findings of the study of Kelly et al. (2003). In the above study, the potential relationship between family conflicts and alcohol was explored. It was found that ‘people with alcohol problems reported more family conflict and women with alcohol problems reported high family independence’ (Kelly et al., 2003, 761). A potential relationship with the social characteristics of a particular geographic region was also identified. More specifically, it was revealed that ‘in European-derived samples, heavy alcohol use is associated with relationship distress, conflict, and violence’ (Kelly et al., 2003, 761). In accordance with the above, alcohol can cause family problems but the extension and the type of these problems can be depended on a series of factors (including the local social ethics, the personal attitudes, a person’s family background, the level of internal and external support and so on). The effects of alcohol on family life have been extensively examined in the literature. The various aspects of alcohol and its influence on family have been analyzed using different criteria. An indicative example is the study of Leonard et al. (2007) where it is noticed that ‘although it is associated with certain positive effects, excessive drinking and alcohol disorders can exert a negative effect on the marital development and on the development of children in the context of the family’ (Leonard et al., 2007, 285). In the above study the potential negative effects of alcohol on family life (like the increase of violence and the development of conflicts) are highlighted. In a similar study developed by Hicks (2006) it was revealed that the violence within the family can be related with the consumption of alcohol. In the relevant study, in which 181 women participated, the following assumptions were made: ‘relationship problems and partner's alcohol use may be risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) in Chinese Americans’ (Hicks, 2006, 1249). Of course, the influence of alcohol on family life is also depended on a series of factors – that have been already mentioned above, like the personal attitudes of the family members, the internal (relatives, friends) and the external (practitioners) support. Alcohol consumption by parents usually reflects specific problems of the latter – either related with their family or their profession/ financial status. However, the consumption of alcohol cannot contribute to the resolution of these problems. On the contrary, alcohol consumption leads to further development/ expansion of family problems – in some cases, the following chain of facts can be observed within families: a problem of minus importance lead to the consumption of alcohol and many other problems follow as a consequence of the dependency on alcohol (e.g. consumption of alcohol because of the loss of the job, avoidance of searching for a new job – under the influence of alcohol, increase of conflicts and violence within the family). The above assumptions are in accordance with the study of Slesnick et al. (2004) where a ‘relationship between parental distress and child problems’ (Slesnick et al., 2004, 243) has been proved to exist. The stress of the parents – as it can be expressed through the alcohol consumption – just a way for this problem to be revealed – can influence the behaviour of all the family members - including the children. In the literature, the stress of parents - as a factor leading to alcohol consumption as explained above – has been found to be related with many different facts/ events. An indicative example is the study of Morris et al. (2003) where it is noticed that ‘the homelessness of parents can affect the development and academic achievement of the children’ (Morris et al., 2003, 43) – at least this explanation was given by the parents participated in the specific study when the latter were asked to refer to the potential effects of homelessness on their children. 2.4 Alcohol as a tool for hiding family problems Alcohol can be also used in order to hide family problems. In this context, it has been found that adults with reading difficulties may become depended on alcohol in order to avoid dealing with their problem. In this context, it is noticed by Gottesman et al. (1996) that ‘comprehensive educational, social, and vocational services may be needed to help adults with severe reading difficulties cope with the diverse and severe problems they face’ (Gottesman et al., 1996, 589). It is not made clear whether these adults can be effectively supported in order to stop drinking – especially if the consumption of alcohol has become part of their life. Practitioners that are asked to support these people would take into consideration the fact that the consumption of alcohol may be just one aspect of the problems that these adults face on their daily life. However, the above task is not easily achievable. In fact, it has been proved that only high – skilled practitioners and therapists would effectively cooperate with people that are led to alcohol consumption because of other personal/ family problems. The actual causes of alcohol consumption are usually difficult to be identified. At the same time, there are cases where the alcohol consumption cannot be appropriately classified – i.e. when specific family problems are identified but the problem of high alcohol consumption is not revealed. For this reason, it is noticed by Orford (1983) that ‘non-specialist professional agencies who encounter family problems often fail to identify or deal with alcohol misuse when it is present’ (Orford, 1983, 109). In accordance with the above alcohol consumption can be either a cover of family problems or have the form of a symptom that is not worthy to be faced through an immediate plan of action. In both cases, alcohol consumption can be developed to a severe problem for a particular family – under the terms already explained above. 2.5 Needs of families that face the problem of alcohol The needs of families with alcohol problems are many. In a relevant research – among the members of Al-Anon a support group - it has been proved that ‘spouses and children of alcoholics often suffer from depression, mood swings, anger, guilt, and resentment of their situation and a feeling of isolation’ (Alcohol Self-Help News, July 2008, online article). Practitioners and therapists that are asked to support families adversely affected by the consumption of alcohol by one or more of their members need to take into consideration the fact that the needs of each family have to be particularly addressed. Of course, solutions that have been tested and have bee proved effective towards the limitation of effects of alcohol consumption on family life would be welcomed. However, there can be no risk of causing severe family problems due to false interpretation of family needs – always referring to the needs of families where the consumption of alcohol has been developed to a major problem. From another point of view it is noticed by Heater (2003) that ‘family therapists must view troubled families through a cultural lens to best assess, diagnose, and treat them; this includes understanding basic tenets of a culture, demonstrating respect, and developing an awareness of one’s own culture’ (Heater, 2003, 46). In other words, the cultural background of families is an issue that should be taken into consideration by therapists and practitioners that are involved on such projects – development of measures for the limitation of effects of alcohol consumption on families. It should be noticed that the intervention of practitioners in families regarding the limitation of problems related with alcohol consumption can also has a preventive character. In other words, even if alcohol consumption in a family is not well developed – in terms of the appearance of negative effects on the family’s members – practitioners can still propose appropriate measures in order to eliminate the chances – as possible - for the appearance of the specific problem. Appropriately structured agencies – help agencies - offer their support to families that suffer from alcoholism. Hopelinks Net and Al-Anon are indicative examples of these agencies. Within the context of the support offered to families, meetings are held regularly while the intervention of professionals directly in a particular family is also possible. The personal views of people suffering from alcoholism can be quite important for understanding the extension of the problem. We could refer primarily to the statement of ‘Ariel S., a long-time member of Alanon, who said, “My husband was addicted to alcohol and I was addicted to him.” She said that after she went to her first Alanon meeting, she learned what is called the “3 Cs.”: a) I didn’t cause alcoholism, b) I can’t control it and c) I can’t cure it,’”’ (Alcohol Self-Help News, July 2008, online article). We can also refer to the testimonies of people that suffer from alcohol: a) ‘‘I started drinking by the age of 14; many times I would drink so much that I would be sick and black out, I could pass for 18 at bottle shops so buying alcohol was not a problem’ (Sweeney, P., Australia, online article), b) ‘after I married and had five children, my life became increasingly stressful; more and more frequently I turned to my friend, alcohol, to lesson the stress and frustration’ (Batton, C., online article) and c) ‘for some reason, when I do it, it's ok; alcohol is no longer the reason behind all the sadness; alcohol is not harmful; alcohol does serve a purpose; alcohol is a friend’ (Herran, C., online article). When a professional working in the specific field, Dr Heath, was asked about his view on the measures required regarding the potential limitation of drinking, the following comments were made: ‘it's essential that we teach everyone the dangers of abusing alcohol, but in doing so we must be careful to distinguish between drinking in moderation and drinking abusively’ (Dr. Dwight Heath, interview to Dr. Hanson, 2007, online report). The involvement of families in the particular problem is direct – members of families can become co-dependent (within the context explained above) and support (even if they don’t realize it) the development of the problem. For this reason, the intervention of support centers (like Al-Anon) or professionals is necessary in order for the persons suffered from alcoholism – but also their families – to deal with the problem effectively. Co-dependency One of most known problems related with alcoholism is co-dependency which has been defined as ‘a set of maladaptive, compulsive behaviors learned by family members in order to survive in a family which is experiencing great emotional pain and stress’ (Cirque Lodge, 2009, online article on Cermak, 1986). Co-dependency – if developed – can cause severe delays to the progress of treatment on alcohol addiction. In the case of co-dependency the members of the family of alcoholic become responsible for the development of the problem. For this reason, it is supported that ‘families that do not know how to cope with the situation of addiction of someone within their fold will not bring those people to addiction treatment, and in that manner they become codependents’ (Drug Treatments, July 2008, online article). Because of the extension of the problem, particular measures have been taken by the help agencies – being involved in the support of families that have to face the problem of alcoholism – regarding the limitation – or the elimination if possible – of the co-dependency. 3. Conclusion Alcohol consumption has been found to be related (both directly and indirectly) with many family problems. The support offered by the state to the families facing the specific problem is not always effective. In fact, in the study of McKellar et al. (1997) it was revealed that ‘many agency workers considered involvement in family problems to be part of their job yet a small number actually intervened’ (McKellar et al., 1997, 53). On the other hand, the willingness of family members to ask for the support of practitioners/ therapists when the problem of alcohol consumption is developed within the family is not always the required one. In fact, many times, the level of alcohol consumption within family is not revealed being used as a ‘vehicle’ for covering various family problems. Without an appropriate alternative for decreasing the effects of specific events (loss of job, death of a family member and so on) the intervention of practitioners in families that face the problem of alcoholism (by one or more of their members) cannot have the required results. On the other hand, it has been found that the active support of parents in the therapy of children – when the latter face specific behavioural problems - can help to the increase of the effectiveness of the relevant projects. Indeed in the study of Nye et al. (1999) it was revealed that ‘parent investment was a particularly salient influence on outcome, as higher investment throughout the program was associated with improvement in child behavior and authoritative parenting at termination’ (Nye et al., 1999, 10. When the support of children in families with phenomena of alcohol misuse is attempted, appropriate initiatives should be taken by practitioners aiming to ensure the active participation of parents. Alcohol misuse can lead to severe family problems; however, the negative effects of alcohol misuse on family could be effectively faced especially through the intervention of appropriately skilled practitioners. In any case, the whole effort should be also supported by the family members – especially the parents – otherwise the whole effort is very likely to be led to a failure. Bibliography Al-Anon (2009) available from http://www.al-anon.org/ Alcohol Self-Help News (July 2008) Alcohol Collateral Damage, available from http://alcoholselfhelpnews.wordpress.com/category/co-dependency/ Alati, R., Najman, J. M., Kinner, S. A.., Mamun, A. A., Williams, G. M., O’Callaghan, Michael and Bor, W. (2005-06-01) Early Predictors of Adult Drinking: a Birth Cohort Study. 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Asia Pacific Family Medicine, 7(1): 3 Personal Testimonies Batton, C., testimony on the problem, available from http://www.helium.com/items/1012475-testimonies-alcohol-and-the-demons-that-take-over Herran, C. testimony on the problem, available from http://www.helium.com/items/939569-testimonies-alcohol-and-the-demons-that-take-over Sweeney, P. Melbourne Australia, testimony on the problem, available from http://www.testimonies.com.au/topics/alcohol_1.htm Read More