Alcoholism: an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor or the mental illness and compulsive behavior resulting from alcohol dependency. A disease that plagues many households and creates numerous problems for those affected. It tears families apart and destroys people’s lives.

“It sucked and made my whole family toxic and afraid to interact,” comments an anonymous source. Alcoholism’s often overlooked trait is the effect it has on families. It drives a wedge between every member and often forces children, regardless of age, to mature rapidly, resulting in an inadequate development of emotional and social skills. “I became less social at school and was generally more miserable. It killed my focus.” This destruction of mental capacity creates a deterioration in all aspects of life, especially a highly weakened chance of social development.

“The thing that terrified me about alcoholism was seeing my drunk parents fight,” says another anonymous source. This exposure to violence and anger can also damage those affected by it in a big way, as they become too scared to act on their situation, and thus suffer more endlessly. “I felt stuck within the situation, like I had nobody to go to and nowhere else to go.” People become lost in their violent and toxic situations, abandoning friends and shutting off sources of help to “protect [themselves] from further harm.” This abandonment then ultimately makes their situations worse and forces them further into their awful relationships with their families.

Alcoholism is considered a disease by many— and for visible reasons. “Someone can go from being sober to being an alcoholic in no time.” This disease comes on rapidly like any other household disease, taking control of the household and dominating it. It tears apart the good things in a family just to help the affected individual cope with another pain or problem. “Many don’t realize that it can just be a catalyst to make the problems even worse, particularly for their loved ones.”

If you or a loved one is affected by alcoholism, an anonymous source states, “the best thing [people] can do for themselves and others is reach out to someone beyond the family. Go to your school counselor or therapist and talk to them.” Call a toll-free Alcohol Helpline on 1-888-675-1820 to get help for you or a loved one in need.