alcoholism
Question and Answer
As a counselor, have you ever been concerned that exercising the concept of "tough love" in a marital crisis could potentially kill the marriage?
First, you need to understand how I see my situation. My role is similar to that of a surgeon who tells a patient that he needs a coronary-artery-bypass operation. The man sits in his doctor's office, hearing the probabilities of success and failure. "If you undergo this operation," the doctor says, "research shows you'll have a 3 percent chance of not surviving the surgery." Wow! Three out of every hundred people who submit to the knife will die on the table! Why would anyone run that risk voluntarily? Because the chances of death are far greater without the surgery.
The "love must be tough" confrontations and ultimatum are like that. They may result in the sudden demise of a relationship. But without the crisis, there is a much higher probability of a lingering death. Instead of bringing the matter to a head while there is a chance for healing, the alternative is to stand by while the marriage dies with a whimper. I'd rather take my chances today, before further damage is done. A blowout is better than a slow leak.
Background Information
Addiction Triggers
What causes the addiction cycles to begin?
Dr. Jekyll's Potion
The link between alcohol and violent behavior may be stronger than you think.
If You're an Alcoholic
Think you'll never be able to quit? There is hope.
But I've Got Reasons!
Alcoholics offer countless excuses for drinking. They simply don"t hold water.
Questions and Answers
My husband is an alcoholic. Can it be treated, and is there hope for families like mine?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Absentee Father
One adult child of an alcoholic shares his experience of healing and hope.
Under the Influence
Growing up with an alcoholic father was frightening. In the end, I choose to give my father the gift of forgiveness.
It Would Never Happen to Us
Teen drug addiction is always some other family's tragedy, until it hits home.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
The Hungry Heart
Our souls seek satisfaction like a starving man seeks food. Regardless of race, culture or creed, we have one commonality: hungry hearts. What is it our souls hunger for? Relationship.
Where is God in the Midst of All My Troubles?
So many cry out to Him in times of need, but is God really listening? And, more important, does He care?
Related Topics
Life Pressures: Workaholism
Parenting Teens: Drugs and Alcohol, Eating Disorders, Internet Concerns
Relationships: Anger
