WHAT CAN THE FAMILY DO?

Although many authorities say that alcoholism cannot be cured, most agree that a measure of recovery is possible with a program of total abstinence. (Compare Matthew 5:29) However, getting an alcoholic to accept help is easier said than done, since he usually denies that he has a problem.  Nevertheless, when family members take steps to deal with the way the alcoholism  has affected them, the alcoholic may begin to realize that he has a problem.  A physician with experience in helping alcoholics and their families said:  "I think the most important thing is for the family simply to go about their business of living in the healthiest way they can. The alcoholic  more and more gets confronted with how big the contrast is between him and the rest of the family. 

If there is an alcoholic in your family, the Bible's inspired   counsel can assist you in living the healthiest way possible.  (Isaiah 48:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Consider some principles that have helped families to deal successfully with alcoholism. 

Stop taking all the blame.  The Bible say:  "Each one will carry his own load," and, "each of us will render an account for  himself to God." (Galatians 6:5; Romans 14:12)  The alcoholic may try to suggest that family members are responsible.  For example, he may say:  "If you treated me better, I wouldn't drink."  If others appear to agree with him, they are encouraging him to continue drinking.  But even if we are victimized by circumstances or by other people, all of us-including alcoholics-are responsible for what we do. -Compare Philippians 2:12. 

Do not feel that you must always shield the alcoholic from the consequences of his drinking. A Bible proverb about someone in a rage could apply equally to the alcoholic:  "If you would deliver him, you will also keep doing it again and again."  (Proverbs 19:19) Let the alcoholic feel the affects of his drinking.  Let him clean up after himself or call his employer the morning after a drinking episode. 

Next time: Conclusion of WHAT THE FAMILY CAN DO

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996