ADDICTION POSES REAL THREAT TO FAMILY LIFE

A LEADING psychologist has pinpointed addiction as one of the most
complex and dangerous threats to the fabric of society.

There are an estimated 100,000 alcoholics and 8,000 drug addicts in
Ireland and Michael Hardiman, a counselling psychologist with a
practice in Galway, said the devastating impact on the psychological
and physical health of the addict is matched by an emotional
destruction within their families.

Lecturing at the Rutland Centre, Dublin, Mr Hardiman said the
connections between addiction and violence, as well as other forms of
criminal behaviour, are clearly drawn.

UK statistics reveal that three out of four alcohol abusers threaten
their partner and one in four attempt to seriously injure their
spouse. Figures also show that one in three instances of child abuse,
one in three cases of marital breakdown, and a substantial number of
suicide attempts, are associated with the abuse of alcohol.

While there is no accurate estimate of the toll of addiction in
Ireland, it is clear there is a silent mass of people whose lives are
damaged as a result of their relationship with an addict. These are
the ones often forgotten in the efforts to help the addict. Mr
Hardiman said: “What help is available, and it is indeed insubstantial
in terms of the enormity of the problem, is given to those in addiction.

“Those whose lives have been damaged growing up in families torn apart
by alcoholism, whose adulthood has been profoundly scarred by marriage
to an addict or whose peace of mind has been wrecked by the addiction
of a child are the silent casualties of this scourge and are mostly
left to their own resources.”

Obssessing with an addict’s problems can lead to exhaustion, high
levels of stress, burnout, loss of self worth and sometimes emotional
breakdown, he said. People suffering in this way need specific help in
the two key areas of recovery, helping themselves and behaving in ways
that will encourage the addict to seek help.