Addiction is something that has a dramatic impact on the entire family. When an addict is in the home, families often suffer physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually as a result. Dealing with fear, grief, worry, and anger can have a damaging effect on everyone around.
Quite often, individuals who are addicted to drugs have strained relationships with families and friends. Relationship issues can be the result of theft, lying, and fights around drug use. Some addicts believe that they are sick and untreatable. They often do not see problems with their behavior and may feel like they are being targeted by others. This is not the case for everyone.
Some addicts are aware that their substance use is causing a problem but they do not know how to ask for help. Some addicts may feel upset and genuinely afraid to stop the substance abuse. The reaction is different for every addict; however, the issues with strained relationships are quite universal.
Children Suffer
If a parent or family member is caught up in substance abuse, children suffer greatly. While dealing with their addiction, children are often neglected. They do not have anyone to cook or clean for them, and they may not be able to wear clean clothes all the time. If the household money is going toward the addiction, there is a chance that the children have to go without heat and light in the home. There may be no food in the home and they run the risk of losing their home altogether.
Additionally, kids are at a higher risk of both physical and sexual abuse. If parents are actively using or dealing from the home, they are exposing their children to harmful people and substances. Additionally, parents engaging in this type of reckless behavior run the risk of going to jail so parents will be placed in foster homes or with relatives. Unfortunately, a lot of children who live in homes with drug addicts are more likely to become addicts themselves when they grow up.
Other Family Relationships
Individuals dealing with an addiction often steal money or trick family and friends into giving them money toward their addiction. They may lie and say they need money to pay the bills, but they do not actually use the money for this. It is important that you do not fall into this black hole. If a family member or friend is abusing drugs, you should not give them any money. If they say they want to use it for a bill, pay the bill for them directly if you feel you need to. You are not required to say yes every time they ask and doing so is far more damaging than imaginable. Not only do you provide money for the individual to continue their habit, but you are increasing your own risk of becoming homeless or falling behind on bills.
Above all, it is important to remember that you are not the cause of the addiction. The addict may become angry with you if you choose not to contribute, but the words are not rational. At Asana Recovery, we see individuals every day with strained relationships as a result of their addictions. It is not too late to heal. Call us today at (949)438-4504 to see how we can help.