© The Stauros Foundation (known as Stauros) is a Scottish Charity, SC014253
The Problem with Alcohol
Drinking and Marriage
It is well known that excessive
alcohol use can have a
detrimental effect on marriage
relationships and
partnerships. Almost half of
our Stauros friends (47%)
confirmed that alcohol had
contributed to the breakup of
a former relationship.
Furthermore, over three
quarters (77%) said that alcohol had had a negative effect on the individual’s
marriage / partner relationship. Almost without exception (92%) people who
develop a problem with alcohol feel guilt about their behaviour towards their
spouse or partner.
It is not difficult to see that alcohol dependency not only impacts the drinker,
but has a profound impact upon their loved ones as well. Initially, episodes of
drunkenness may be considered as isolated incidents caused by tiredness,
worry or stress – they may even be considered as normal. However, such
episodes may become prolonged and occur more frequently, and as this
happens family tolerance weakens. Confrontation between partners often
results when it becomes obvious that the individual’s drinking is no longer
normal or acceptable.
To avoid confrontation the drinker may become secretive while deepening his
or her resolve to continue drinking as normal, planning when to buy alcohol
and how to drink without others being concerned. Even when it is so painfully
obvious that the individual has been drinking, the drinker and the family
move into deadlock where denial causes stalemate.
•
Pray for marriages to be restored when people turn their lives over to Christ.
•
Pray for people to have courage to face the truth about their drinking and to
move away from denial.
•
Pray for harmony in family homes where tension and fear can be so
destructive.
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