Indian journalist and author Maria Vienci Cardozo highlights the profound impact of alcohol addiction on families in Goa, India and around the world. It offers a message of hope that “recovery is possible and families can recover from the worst effects of alcohol addiction.”
Vatican News
India, Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (REI): Alcohol addiction is an addiction that affects men, women and even children in all corners of the world, causing dire consequences for the entire family of the individual, which also includes guilt .
alcohol addiction
Maria Vienci Cardozo has dedicated the last few years of her life as a journalist to documenting the prevalence of alcohol addiction in the Indian state of Goa. Speaking to Vatican News, Cardozo explains how his journey began out of simple curiosity. “Initially, I was working on a story about the large number of liquor shops in Goa,” he said.
“In Goa, the number of liquor shops outnumber tea shops, day care centers and other establishments. This statistic surprised me, but as my research continued, I discovered the real impact of alcohol addiction on families, especially women and children, who suffer from it. in silence.”
When Cardozo met victims of alcohol addiction, he began documenting their lives, sharing their stories of pain and hope. He said he quickly realized that alcohol addiction wasn’t just a personal choice or habit. She describes it as a disease that has physical, psychological and social consequences.
“I was surprised to learn that alcohol addiction is a medically recognized disease,” he says. “People often start out as social drinkers, but over time, alcohol addiction takes hold. It can lead to serious health problems such as liver cirrhosis, memory loss and even neurological damage, in addition to the physical damage, social and emotional consequences “. “For families they are devastating.”
impact on families
In her book, Diamonds Beneath My Feet, Cardozo tells the stories of 21 families, most of whom struggled with extreme poverty, domestic violence, and emotional trauma as a result of alcohol addiction.
Through her interviews and stories, she gives a voice to the wives and children of people suffering from alcohol addiction. They are often the most affected by addiction, suffering psychologically and economically and facing stigma in their communities.
“Children of alcoholics grow up in broken environments, lacking stability and emotional support,” explains Cardozo.
“It’s heartbreaking to hear these stories of children feeling ashamed of their own family because of the actions of their loved one struggling with addiction.”
Cardozo warns that the stigma that comes with alcohol addiction is especially harmful to families, and even makes it more difficult than ever to ask for help. “We need to move away from this stigma and consider alcohol addiction as a disease. Only then can we begin to support those who suffer and their families.”
church support
But people addicted to alcohol have not lost hope. Cardozo highlighted the important role of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Al-Anon, groups that help families of alcoholics.
He said these teams provide vital emotional and psychological support to both people suffering from alcohol addiction and their families.
Cardozo says, “AA and Al-Anon meetings are often held on church premises, where the parish provides a safe space for these meetings. This support from the congregation is essential, as it fosters a sense of community and spiritual healing. “
Reminding people that there is always hope.
However, the church’s involvement is not limited to providing a meeting place. In many parishes, priests actively encourage participation in AA and Al-Anon programs, which helps break the cycle of stigma and shame.
Cardozo praised the partnership, calling it a “beacon of hope” for people struggling with addiction.
“The church’s role in supporting these programs shows that recovery is possible and that families can improve their lives again even after enduring the worst effects of alcohol addiction.” Through her work, María Cardozo fights to break the stigma associated with alcohol addiction, to ensure that people and their families get the help they need. When we realize that alcohol addiction is a disease, we understand that there is hope to combat it. People and their families can recover and should be given the opportunity to do so.
