In the early stages of living with an active alcohol abuser, we usually get frustrated (through trying to stop them drinking - a waste of time) then ANGRY.
We may vent our anger out on our drunken loved one. Its not pretty or nice, but it sometimes happens. We feel so desperate and helpless. If you've done this, you will feel guilty. But remember, you are being pushed into insane behavior too. Later you will be able to forgive yourself - you are only human.
But of course venting our anger does not help the situation we are in.
Here is something to think about, to help you reduce your anger.
Our drinker is suffering from a mental disease: Alcoholism. The World Health Organisation recognises Alcoholism as a disease of the mind, and that it is a major problem throughout the world.
Now your loved one has a disease - it could be MS, Aids, Cancer - but it is Alcoholism in their case.
So if your loved one had MS for example, would you get angry at him/her? I'm sure you would not.
It's no different with alcoholism - they are in the grip of disease, just as bad as the others mentioned.
So think about EMPATHY - your loved one has a major battle on their hands when they will try to stop drinking - it will be THE HARDEST THING THEY WILL HAVE TO DO IN THEIR LIVES.
So when you feel yourself getting angry - think of your loved one as having a MENTAL DISEASE. Then keep your MOUTH shut, your MIND off the drinking, and your MITTS (hands) off him/her.
You can think of this too: your drinker does not want to be like that - but they are helpless at first.
Try this next time you feel anger taking hold of you.
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