Alcoholism: Beyond the Bottle

It’s no secret that alcoholics ruin their lives. Their bodies get destroyed both inside and out. Serious damage, like kidney failure, can happen internally. They may also experience weight loss, hollow or sunken eyes, and bad breath. But let’s look beyond the alcoholics and beyond the bottle. Let’s shine the spotlight on those around them whom their actions affect.

Spouses
Beyond the bottle, spouses have to deal with the constant turmoil of a drunkard. From cleaning up puke to dealing with verbal and or physical abuse. They have to explain to their curious children, why mommy or daddy is behaving that way. Not to mention having to live with the stares and murmurs of family members and friends. More often than not, alcoholics spend all their money on booze; leaving their partners neck-deep in debts and struggling to fend for their family.

Children
The offspring of alcoholics are usually greatly affected. They might not have lost a parent to the grave, but they’ve definitely lost one to the bottles. These kids have to deal with an absent parent, whether because he/she is too drunk to function or always at the bar. They too might have to deal with abuse as well as the snickers and murmurs of others. They may even have to deal with bullies at school making fun of them. Additionally, if the drinking leads to a divorce, that’s an added stress children will face.

Colleagues
It may not seem like co-workers are affected by alcoholics—but they are. These colleagues have to do the drinker’s job when he/she is too drunk for work. An alcoholic’s unfinished work becomes the added task someone else have to perform. Then, when the alcoholic gets fired, his/her colleagues have to deal with the process of training and getting-to-know a new worker all over again.

Church Members
The church family of alcoholics may suffer too, especially if that person held a position. Also, younger church members will have one less role model or mentor to turn to. Our lives are a sermon to sinners, the message of alcoholism will surely turn some sinners away from Christ.

“Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink.” (Isaiah 5:22)

Alcoholism doesn’t only affect the individuals who are addicted, but those associated with them as well. Yet even though the impact of drinking can be devastating. There’s hope. Beyond the bottle, God can mend the broken pieces…if He’s invited to. He can restore the life of a drunkard and quench his/her thirst for alcohol—permanently. Friends, remain in prayer for your alcoholic loved ones, because prayer changes things.

“Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.” (Proverbs 20:1)

Who else do you think is impacted by alcoholism?