Death of a loved one from alcohol

When a friend or family member dies due to alcohol-related issues, it adds another layer of complexity to the grief and loss already felt.

Friends and family will want that person to be remembered for who they were, what they achieved and any talents they had. Most of all there can be a desperate need when having to let people know about the death, to not be judged or have a label immediately placed upon the deceased, with their death being seen on some level as self-inflicted. 

Because of this, more often than not the cause of death will be left unsaid, which in itself can add stress to the situation. 

For the people closest to the situation, this cause of death can feel more tragic, not less. Especially when it feels as if the person has died far too young. It adds another level to the sadness which can be very difficult to verbalise, except perhaps to anyone else who is closely involved. Even then so much grief can go unspoken, with the time being used to support and help with arrangements.

When someone mentions their loss, the most likely question to be asked, if any, will be along the lines of 'What happened?' or 'Had they been ill?' It's very unlikely to be 'What were they like?' and yet actually for those left behind this can be the strongest feeling that they are dealing with at this time. More often than not very little is said, for fear of upsetting those dealing with the loss. 

It's important for those left behind to understand that whatever the circumstances in which they have lost their friend or family member, this doesn't change the loss that they are going through, that their feelings of grief and sadness are just as valid, just as real and just as worthy of being heard.