Many of us have been affected by a loved one’s drinking. 53% of us, in fact.

We spend much of our time focused on them. Trying to get them not to drink, or not want to drink, or thinking about their drinking. We get lost because it keeps pulling us in.

Yet, we’re not talking about what’s going on.

There’s a silence because many of us grew up in families where “we don’t talk about these things.” We were taught by our parents, who were taught by theirs, to not talk about what was happening under our roof. Or we were taught to tough it out.

When you don’t feel like you can talk about the situation, like you don’t have a voice, the negative energy gets bottled up inside. You’re tired. Sometimes you don’t know how you get through your day. You ache. Or you avoid the situation so you don’t have to go home.

• As their drinking increases, our tendency to isolate also increases.
• We’re embarrassed to be out with them because of their actions when they’re drunk.
• We stop getting together with friends as couples.
• Our friends often don’t get what’s going on / won’t understand, so we don’t talk with them about what’s really happening.
• There’s the shame because you can’t believe you’re in the situation you’re in.

I know this all too well because I lived it. I am the 4th generation of women in my family affected by growing up and living with alcoholics.

Yes, it runs in families. And yes, we’re often attracted to what we grew up with. But that’s the old story. It is possible to break the cycle.

It’s time for a paradigm shift. It’s time for you to bring a voice to your story. It’s time for you to reclaim your energy for you. It’s time to break free, even if nothing about your relationship changes.

It is possible to rise above the chaos of the situation with your alcoholic. You are worthy to experience the joy that is your birthright.