Substance use disorder can cause increased tensions in a family, which often leads to stress and negativity, as well as feelings of instability. If you make drugs or drinking a priority, you’re putting your family second and it won’t go unnoticed. Being absent from family functions or activities could also result in feelings of distrust from family members, as they begin to realize that they cannot always count on you to be present. Overall, there are many different ways that substance abuse can impact a family unit for the worst.
How Substance Abuse Impacts the Family Unit
- “Copycat” Syndrome – Remember that alcohol and drug use can be a coping strategy for many people, even those within your family. Keep an eye out for children and other family members who are falling into patterns of substance use also.
- Financial Insecurity – We can’t hide things from our families forever, and your family members are more than likely aware of the financial ties you have to alcohol. Alcohol is expensive, after all! If you’re experiencing trouble at work as a result of drinking too much this will put a larger strain on the family too as everyone tries to deal with managing scarce funds.
- Isolation – When you’re feeling emotionally drained in a family, you might find your family members do their best to not be there for situations that are negative and this means they generally avoid you. This can be incredibly lonely and in turn may make you feel isolated. If you’re making an effort to conceal your alcohol consumption from them you’re actively isolating yourself from them as well. Both you and your family are avoiding the situation. The best thing you can do is to address it and take a first step towards recovery.
Crucial things to remember about certain relatives:
- Partners will often doubt themselves when it comes to addiction, and might be wondering about their own self worth, considering themselves a failure. They may also feel physically and emotionally exhausted from trying to help fix what they think may be an issue.
- Sons/Daughters might feel they are having to be the ‘adult’ of your relationship, taking on adult roles in order to compensate for a lack of consistent parenting. Emotional instability rubs off on children, and as a result behavior problems may appear, too.
At Asana Recovery, we understand how difficult recovering from these addictions through our daily work to help those struggling most from this disease. While some may believe they can make it alone, rehabilitation programs are essential in the fight to break dependency. The road ahead is not a smooth or easy one, but you can traverse it if done so with the support of the right team. Counseling and aftercare processes can assist you by addressing the psychological facets that led you to addition and help you build a structure from which to better cope with life without succumbing to addiction.The supervised detoxification and residential treatment programs at Asana Recovery are offered in a supportive, relaxing, and inspiring environment. We’re deeply committed to ensuring your long-term recovery, and guiding you on your path to a healthier and happier future. There is no better time than now, and we’re always available to speak with you. Call us at (949) 438-4504 to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment program today.