Narrative terapie as strategie in die pastorale begeleiding van 'n alkoholis

English: Alcoholism is 'n massive problem in South Africa. Despite consciousness-raising campaigns to warn people against alcohol abuse, there are still countless numbers who are trapped in alcoholism. Most of these alcohol-dependent persons have a heart-felt desire to be set free and be able to enter into a sober future. However, there are many factors that playa role in alcoholism, which render the whole question about rehabilitation a very complex one. Most alcoholics are married with children. Due to the alcoholism, family relationships have suffered and in many cases begun to disintegrate. The alcoholic is no longer effective in the fulfilment of his role in the family, and contliet arises when he is under the intluence. Among family members this gives rise to a feeling of: "Why should we do this to ourselves? Let's abandon this alcoholic and go live in peace on our own." Initially the alcoholic does not realise that he has a problem. This is followed by obstinate denial. It is also true that family members, in particular the spouse, do not have sufficient knowledge of this "disease" to deal with it effectively, and then escape is sought in divorce. Although a variety of pastoral models and methods for pastoral therapy already exist. the researcher attempted in this study to highlight the importance of narrative therapy as therapeutic model in the counselling and treatment of the alcoholic. and also in bringing about reconciliation in the midst ofa threatening divorce. For the purposes of this study the narrative model was used, together with a blend of the positive aspects of other pastoral models. and jointly applied in a case study, which served as illustration. This study presents a pastoral-therapeutic model that can be used effectively in the rehabilitation of the alcoholic. On the other hand. it does not give any guarantees that the family affected by alcoholism will not divorce. However, there is still hope that serious conflict can be resolved and divorce avoided. The researcher uses the narrative as therapeutic model in the context of the research, namely alcoholism and divorce. The researcher points out that there is indeed hope for the alcoholic to be rehabilitated and for reconciliation to occur within the marriage in the midst of a threatening divorce or a divorce completed.