Family dynamics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Family dynamics - Essay ExampleIt is obvious that alcoholism has to be tackled in ways that are unique to each addict. While introductory theories may be used to treat the underlying causes of the disease, it is necessary to address the issues that are unique to every alcohol addict in order to nucleotide the excess use of alcohol by that particular individual. Demographics of Families impact by alcoholic drink In America today, there are approximately 15 workforce and women who are addicted to alcohol and use it on a regular basis. These soakings come from diverse religions and ethnic backgrounds, and can be found in any age groups. According to Babor (2010) 43% of the American population has had to have it away, at some time or other, with an alcoholic within the family. Today, 18% of all American children stick up with an alcoholic in the family (Centers for Disease Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, 2009). Of this figure, more than 55% are children who are still perceive to be dependants who rely on their parents for sustenance. According to Babor (2010), the consumption of excess alcohol kills more than 75,000 Americans on an annual basis. These deaths may result from binge drinking or simply continuous heavy drinking which wears down the bodys vital organs such as the liver. ... This is because there are pressures from peers that they have to deal with while also having to handle the pressure of starting new relationships as well as careers. The Effect on the Family The families of alcoholics are often greatly affected by their destructive addiction. They may have to live with the pressure of maintaining a facade of normalcy to the outside world while also having to bear the problems that the alcoholic causes. Alcoholics usually have short attention spans once they start to drink and can cause problems that they will not remember after the effect of the alcohol wear out (Joyce, 2011). The families of a lcoholics may have to deal with violent behavior exhibited by the alcoholic, economic problems caused by the alcoholics use of family finances to stomach his or her problem, and low relationship satisfaction. Any children born into families where one of the parents is an alcoholic also learn quickly not to trust that parent (Joyce, 2011). Communication in such families is marked by constant criticism, blame, misplaced guilt, dissatisfaction in emotional relationships, and complaints (Babor, 2010). Chaos and conflict is common in families that have alcoholics. There is also a lot of unpredictability, and the breakdown of traditional family rituals. Physical as well as emotional abuse is also very common in such families. Theories of Alcohol Addiction There are different theories that seek to address the cause of alcoholism in people. The genetic theory holds that there are inherited mechanisms, particularly among people that had alcoholic parents, which predispose people to desirin g alcohol or consuming it in excess (Hingson, Zha