Alcoholism affects all strata of society, including privileged circles where it is subject to deep denial. Within couples, this disease traps partners in silence and isolation. Dr. Laurent Karila highlights the daily occasions that lead to excessive alcohol consumption.
Alcoholism is not confined to the fringes of society or individuals bearing the physical stigmas of their excesses. As explained in the Madame Le Figaro article published on October 18, 2025, it permeates all social strata, especially in privileged circles where deep denial masks the issue.
At the heart of the couple, the disease advances in silence. The title highlights a revealing anecdote: «He empties the open bottles after our guests leave», illustrating how hidden consumption intensifies when alone. This reality is normalized by French 'bon vivant' culture, amplified by series and endless social occasions.
Dr. Laurent Karila, psychiatrist specialized in addictology at Hôpital Paul Brousse (AP-HP) and professor at Université Paris Saclay, states: «There are so many occasions to drink alcohol - birthdays, births, weddings, academic or professional successes, afterwork, before, dinners with friends, parties… or just to unwind. String them together, and they can quickly lead to daily alcohol consumption. Millions of French people are affected by this alcoholism that encourages drinking several glasses per week without feeling addicted».
Between the four walls of the home, after a dinner or guests depart, these few glasses can quickly become a full bottle. This article is part of the «Au cœur du trouble» series, which explores the impacts of disorders like high intellectual potential, bipolarity, ADHD, or chronic depression on couple life, without filters.