"Alcoholism is the only disease you get yelled at for having." -Mitch Hedberg.
It is sad, but true. This is a quote from a comedian (who is unfortunately dead now from heroin overdose).
Even though it was meant to inspire laughter in a stage act, it really is true. It also goes for all addictions.
Instead of getting angry with addicts, people really should treat the addiction as a disease and help them to overcome it.
I know it can be frustrating for those in the family, my mom was a prescription pain med addict.
Those dealing with addicts should treat the addiction as a cancer. Keep fighting the disease, don't get angry with the person who has it. Because just like cancer, addiction does kill.
This was just my two cents worth, but I hope it helps others out there.
When you get frustrated with an addict, just try to remember they do have a disease and need help.
Peace.
Have to agree it is an illness, but through experience people who are alcoholics / addicts on the whole reach rock bottom before they acknowledge to themselves that they have a problem and then they are able to start working their way through, address the reasons why and start working with those around them who have on the whole been waiting for this moment of clarity, those who have waited with their arms held outwards, who have created a safety net ready to catch this person, helped them back on their feet, only to see on a number of occasions them fall through the holes in the net, only to see the process start all over again.
Yes, been there and got the T Shirt more times than I can remember. It is not an easy road, but very rewarding when the person concerned reaches the point of no return and are ready to start the long hard road of recovery.
Fudge
P.S. Hugs to those who are the catchers and supporters, to those who receive calls early in the morning and those who mop up the excess of the night before. Take care, but remember walking away is hard to do, but letting the person fall to rock bottom is hard, but being there when the person picks themselves up is very rewarding, but please dont forget you have a life to live and not be dragged down by those who just see life through the bottom of the glass. Take care.
Fudge, I just wanted to say thank you for your wonderful post and the sharing of your wisdom.
Hugs for you too....
Fudge, I just wanted to say thank you for your wonderful post and the sharing of your wisdom.
Hugs for you too....
Me too, thank you Fudge. A very good friend of mine is an alcoholic and it breaks my heart. I have experience of it within the family too.
Barbara x
Thank you for your comments
Fudge
i agree with what has been said, but it is easier said than done. for me at least. for the first time in my life i am involved with an alcoholic. i have tried and tried but it is getting me nowhere. i even went to AL ANON and he found it funny. i try to see it as a disease but when they wont even admit they have a problem, and they put a drink before you its very hard to cope with. today i feel at the end of my tether to be honest. i feel as though i am losing my life too as i am miserable quite a lot of the time. yes there are good times but they are out weighed by the bad. i just dont think i have the character to deal with it to be honest. yes it probably is very rewarding when they reach 'rockbottom' and you try to help them turn their life around. trouble is what if they never do? and how long do you wait to find out?
and how long do you wait to find out?
Having had a father and step father who are alcoholics, I would say don't wait to find out. As long as you stay with an alcoholic who won't do anything about it, they will pull you down, destroy your life and damage your kids. By staying with them, you enable their habit by giving them the environment to continue.
Sorry to be so negative, but I've see it first hand too many times.
However, if they do genuinely want help then it's there through the NHS, and the self help groups will give you the support you need.
Myarka.
Hi Vicki,
I was just reading your post, I read a book called Co-Dependant No More by Melody Beattie and it realy helped me to put things into perspective, look it up on Amazon and read the reviews. It must be frustrating that your partner is refusing to admit he has a problem and is laughing at you for trying to get support, look the book up and see what you think, it really did help me, take care of yourself.
Karin
karin
thank you. i ordered the book and have just started reading it. never really heard of the term before but rather shockingly i seem to have most of the characteristics. 
oh well, onwards and upwards!