Imagine watching someone you love, week after week harm themselves. Outside of praying, you are powerless to stop them. With most diseases, it does not have a self inflicted look to it. That is where alcoholism is different. 

In all the reading I have done as well as growing up attending Alateen, I read that alcoholism is a disease. These people do not ask for it nor do they want it. It is a compulsion that goes beyond anything I can relate to. I remember leading a recovery group for alcoholics and they asked me, " Donna what are you addicted to?" they all looked at me with hopeful eyes. I had to tell them, beyond two chocolate chip cookies in a row, I honestly don't have that struggle. They assumed everyone did. I for sure have my struggles as we all do, addiction just is not one of them.

It is painful to watch them though. I remember my heart sinking to my boots when I would walk in the door from school, there in the hallway was a twelve case of beer. Dad would be six bottles in. The evening would get worse before it got better. The familiar knot in my stomach would return. My appetite to eat was zero. 

I learned that arguing with them was pointless. Making them feel guilty, was not helpful. They tend to feel like zeros already. My witty remarks were unhelpful. If sobriety was attained by family members yelling and making the alcoholic feel guilty, we would have more sober alcoholics around.

To carry on with anger and layering the guilt on is to just add to the problem. You can dump the alcohol but they will find more. You need to be silent. Arguing with a drunk is never profitable. You wait, perhaps an opportunity will arise when they bring up their problem. When they are really sick of their addiction, then they will seek help and not before. 

Family members and good friends of an alcoholic would do well to educate themselves well, just as you would would if it were diabetes or cancer. No one hopes when they grow up, they will become an alcoholic. AlAnon and Alateen are two of the best sources I know. They have groups all over the city, any city. Check it out if this blog is something you relate to personally.

I have always run to Jesus as my comfort in the middle of storms, whatever the storm. He has been my comfort and strength for many years. He does not take away every struggle, but He does give wisdom and strength to get through it. If you read Psalm 121, that will bring some comfort to a troubled heart.