Whenever a family member becomes addicted to drugs or alcohol, the effects reach out to their immediate family and friends as well. This applies to anyone who cares about the addict, be it a child, parent, spouse, or any other relative.
Addiction can affect the entire family in several ways. These include their relationships, finances, security, and many more. Individual family members can experience different effects, depending on the issue at hand.
It is possible for addicts not to consider what their families go through amid their addiction. This article discusses the effect of drugs and substance addiction on family members.
Contents
Rise in Abuse Risk
As the addict’s addiction progresses, it becomes unpredictable and challenging to deal with. This results in them being erratic, angry, and frustrated, lashing out at others who are important to them. The effect of drugs and alcohol inhibition vary from person to person and those intoxicated are more likely to act recklessly.
Besides the increased risk of abuse, the chances of a drug addict abusing a family member are higher. The abuse may be physical, verbal, or psychological.
Difficult Financial Situation
The cost of supporting an active drug habit can be high. Almost all the money that addicts spend goes towards getting the substances they need. Sometimes, they cannot hold down a job and often need the support of money, food, and sometimes housing. There are those who need financial assistance to pay for their treatment.
Those seeking a subsidized budget and find more information by visiting https://www.ascendantny.com/. Children having difficulties getting back on their feet end up living with their parents until they overcome addiction and get back to their feet again.
Strained Relationships
Living with an addict strains the entire family relationship. An addict can be a parent, child, spouse, or sibling. Families living with a person who has addicted live a life of struggle and face everyday challenges.
Family members react in different ways. To avoid engaging with the addict, some families take a step back. They do this to avoid getting in the turmoil associated with addiction. Some take the opposite approach and attempt to influence the addict into quitting or seeking help.
Shameful Feelings
Whenever someone close to you abuses drugs, you are tempted to hide from the world. This feeling comes even if you are not at fault for the addiction. Despite this fact, it is still possible to avoid acknowledging its abuse on others as well.
The feeling of shame can make you deceive others by helping the addict. As a result, no one should carry around shame because it is a destructive emotion.
How to Cope With Drug Addiction as a Family
When someone in your family is abusing drugs, the first step is to encourage him or her to get treatment as soon as possible. When talking to them, be compassionate and calm. Discuss how their addiction affects them as well as the rest of the family members.
In case the addict refuses to listen, you should seek the intervention of key family members and a therapist as well.
Organize counseling or therapy for all members of the family. As a result, those recovering from addiction will benefit from this approach and can easily move forward. Therapists create a safe environment in which people express their emotions. They can assist you in overcoming current challenges while implementing confidence-building strategies.
The Bottom Line
All family members suffer when someone close to them struggles with addiction. Fortunately, there is help available. The treatment provider is able to answer the questions that the family members have.
To maintain a close relationship with the patient, a sober relative should visit the patient in a rehab center. During treatment at the facility, the patient is provided with therapists, medication, and professional support.
