Family support is key to overcome alcohol dependence: A social case study

Abstract

Alcohol dependence is a complex medical, social, and psychological problem. It affects the family life adversely. However, if family takes the lead role, this problem is easily controlled at home level with medical support. A middle-aged male, the only breadwinner of the family, had alcohol dependence for more than 20 years. With family support, he overcame the dependence. The management of this illness has the greatest role of the family and society in addition to medical. Symptomatic management of alcoholism is only a tiny part of the treatment. Once the patient's symptoms are managed, the arduous journey to prevent relapse banks upon the persons own resolve and the support offered by their family. This is a peculiar case where medical aid and family support are playing an important role in the elimination of alcohol dependence. The family support models will helpful to the primary health-care physician to reduce alcohol dependence.

Keywords

• alcoholism
• family bonding
• family health
• social support