Hulpverlening aan die laerskoolkind van die alkoholis

Abstract

This article provides a brief outline on the impact of alcoholism on the family and children of the alcoholic. Guidelines are also provided on means to support and help the primary child of the akoholic to cope with the realities of parental alcoholism. Alcoholism has been a problematic phenomenon in society for many years. It is also an ongoing occurrence in spite of the negative impact that it has on the alcoholic, the family of the alcoholic and society. A contributing factor to
alcoholism is that the addictive nature of alcohol is not recognised. It is not perceived as a drug and is therefore freely available. Latham & Napier (1992: 113 7) state that three to six people are negatively affected by a single person's alcohol abuse. Alcoholism is also the third most frequent health problem in the world (Kaplan, Sadock & Grebb, I994:525). 525_). It is also well known that there is a positive reference between alcohol abuse and car accidents, abuse and molestation of children, family violence, assault, rape, murder, burglary and theft. It must also be kept in mind that the alcoholic family often displays characteristics of a dysfunctional family and that alcoholism can be perceived as a family disease. Wood (1992:22) says about alcoholism in the farmily: "Any chronic, debilitating illness suffered 'by one farmily member eventually takes a toll on the entire family system. To the extent that the patient is mortally endangered, requires extraordinary care, and is forced to relinquish his or her role and  responsibilities to other family members, he and his loved ones feel heightened anxiety increased, stress, and real heartache. If your family includes an active alcoholic you will feel this and more." The child of the alcoholic is directly influenced by parental alcoholism and at great risk of experierincing problems with his /her social functioning. The need of the alcoholics child for support and help by a professional is therefore apparent.