Codependency of Alcoholism

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the author takes a case study of a family, where the husband/father is a drunk. The author defines the mother and children as codependents for a number of reasons. Mainly it is because the family covers up for the drinking problem of the husband/father and defends him to others, which makes him feel that the family is supporting his problem. The paper continues to discuss this co-dependency which is often known as a family disease. The author suggests that many times, either through ignorance or fear, individuals and/or families may actually prevent an alcoholic from fully facing the fact of a drinking problem. In this particular case study, the author tells us that the drunk died of cirrhosis of the liver as a result of the heavy drinking. The author concludes that by attending a counseling support program and supporting each other, the family that the drunk left behind, is likely to move forward on a path that is free of co-dependence.

From the Paper:

"Patrick got married at the age of 18 years, during his prime. He and his wife, Martha, a 27 year old woman, had five children during the course of 8 years. Throughout their marriage Patrick had a need to hide from others and began to associate only with people who drank. Patrick began to cheat on his wife and seek the company of other women, after he and Martha had their third child. Martha was well aware of her husbands drinking and cheating ways early on in their courtship; however, she felt that as time went on, things would get better. Martha knew her husband had, over the years, become an alcoholic; however, she still wanted to attempt to save the marriage."

More papers on Codependency of Alcoholism:

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