Drug addiction affects everyone around the addict. In some instances, family members even become victims themselves. Learn more about drug addiction and its impact on families.
The drug is a link to every aspect of our life. They alter our moods, cause us to act recklessly, and even change our personalities. If you or somebody that is close to you has a problem with drugs, it’s important to seek treatment. Addiction is a complex disease that often begins with recreational drug use. Once addicted, individuals experience withdrawal symptoms that include anxiety, depression, irritability, insomnia, and cravings. These symptoms can last days, weeks, months, or years. Drug addiction affects everyone involved in its life cycle. Whether you’re dealing with drug abuse yourself, or you’re trying to support a loved one struggling with substance abuse, here are some cool things you may not know about the effects of drug addiction on families.
Drug Abuse Can Have Serious Health Effects
Substances like alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and prescription drugs all pose health risks when abused. Substance abusers can suffer serious physical problems including liver damage, heart disease, stroke, brain damage, kidney failure, and cancer.
Drug Use Is Often Hidden
Many addicts hide their drug use from others, especially from their children. They also tend to lie about their habits, so it’s difficult to tell if someone is abusing substances until it’s too late.
Children Are Especially Vulnerable
Children exposed to drugs during pregnancy are more likely to become addicted themselves. And if parents aren’t aware of their child’s drug use, they won’t be able to intervene effectively.
Parents Who Struggle With Their Own Addictions May Be More Likely to Abuse Drugs
Parents who struggle with substance abuse issues are more likely to pass along their struggles to their children. As a result, kids who grow up around substance abusers are more likely to experiment with drugs themselves.
Families Can Become Torn Apart By Addiction
Addiction can tear apart entire families. When a parent becomes addicted to drugs, he or she may neglect his or her responsibilities toward the rest of the family. Or, if the addict is unable to provide financially for the family, siblings may end up supporting him or her instead.
Drug Use Can Cause Divorce
Divorce rates among couples with substance abuse problems are higher than those of couples who don’t struggle with substance abuse. Even though divorce itself doesn’t cause substance abuse, it does make it harder for recovering addicts to stay clean.
Drug Use Can Lead to Child Neglect
A parent’s inability to care for himself or herself due to substance abuse can lead to neglect of his or her children. If a parent is arrested for DUI, he or she may lose custody of his or her children, putting the kids at risk of being placed in foster care.
How to deal with loved ones suffering drug abuse
Drug addiction affects everyone involved in its life cycle. Whether it’s the addict, his/her spouse, children, parents, siblings, extended family members, or friends, drug abuse impacts every single member of the family unit. Here’s a list of steps to follow if you suspect that your loved one may be suffering from substance abuse issues:
Be Honest With Yourself About What You Know
It’s difficult to admit when we’re wrong, but being honest with yourself about what you know about your loved one’s behavior is critical to getting help.
Ask Questions
Once you’ve admitted to yourself that you know something is going on, ask questions! Don’t assume anything; instead, gather information and seek out answers.
Seek Help
Don’t wait until things reach a crisis point before seeking professional help. There are several resources available to assist you in finding treatment options.
Start Treatment Right Away
Treatment doesn’t happen overnight. It takes commitment and dedication to make sure that you stay clean and sober.
Stay Connected
Staying connected with your loved one during recovery is essential to maintaining sobriety. Reach out to him/her regularly via phone calls, text messages, emails, etc., so he/she knows that you care.
Understand How Substance Abuse Impacts Others
Addiction is a disease that affects all aspects of someone’s life. Understanding how it affects others is key to understanding how it affects you.
Support Recovery Efforts
Supporting your loved one’s efforts to recover is a vital part of staying sober. Encourage him/her to attend meetings, participate in 12-step groups, and seek counseling.