Prince Augustine

Director: Prathyasha Bhavan

alcoholism

the disease that destroys your family...

What my experience of working for the past thirty years among individuals struggling with alcoholism and their families has taught me is this: Alcoholism is a family disease.

It ruthlessly preys on the family members of the alcoholic—especially the children. I have personally witnessed how their education, emotional well-being, and future prospects are severely affected.

I recall one particular case from Prathyasha Bhavan, where over 3500 individuals with alcohol dependence have sought treatment. This man was a government officer—a highly capable individual who held a prestigious position in the tourism department. His wife and young son were residing in the United States.

What began as casual drinking in a friendly setting gradually escalated into addiction, leading to the breakdown of his family life. Eventually, he reached a stage where he could not function for even a moment without alcohol.

As his addiction worsened, his wife and son began to distance themselves. I was personally acquainted with his parents, and their suffering was far beyond what words can express.

Over a period of ten years, I personally assisted in his treatment journey. Despite efforts across several major hospitals and de-addiction centers, the family ended up spending nearly six million rupees.

As the addiction progressed, it led to severe physical complications, ultimately damaging vital organs. He passed away at the age of 42. His mother, after doing everything possible to help her son, eventually succumbed to mental anguish and passed away as well.

There are countless such stories that we could share from Prathyasha Bhavan. This is why I firmly state that alcoholism is not just an individual illness—it is a family disease. It is also a progressive disease.

Often, it is only when a person transitions from primary alcoholism to secondary alcoholism that the family members begin to experience the full impact. By the time the addiction progresses to the third stage—where the person cannot survive without alcohol—it is often too late.

However, if help is sought during the earlier stages, both the alcoholic and the family can be saved. Early intervention is key to recovery and healing—not just for the individual, but for the entire family.

Prince Augustine
Founding Director
Prathyasha Bhavan De Addiction Centre
Mailakkomp, Thodupuzha