It’s easy to see how many people would assume substance abuse or any addiction to be a very personal issue. But there are often so many others involved. Addiction can impact everyone in your life — especially your family.
Healthy family dynamics can be ripped apart by addiction, leaving both short and long-term effects on parents, children, and everyone in between.
There are some immediate effects, like the physical and mental impact of drugs and alcohol on the brain and body. However, some long-term issues can cause problems, including strained relationships and behaviors that can tear the fibers of attachment within families.
Let’s take a closer look at how addiction affects family dynamics and relationships.
The Impact on Children
Children are often the ones most affected by addiction within a family unit. If they have to witness a family member struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, it can be incredibly traumatic for them.
First, they might see the effects of that abuse on the parent or caregiver’s health and personality. It’s not uncommon for someone dealing with addiction to be irritable, angry, anxious, or depressed. They can quickly take those emotions out on their children, creating a tense family dynamic.
Children who have parents dealing with addiction might also be neglected. When someone is truly addicted to a substance, they have little time or room in their minds for anything else — including their own children. This kind of neglect is a form of childhood trauma that can have a lasting impact.
Finally, research has shown that children who grow up in a household with addiction are more likely to develop substance abuse disorders themselves. It can trigger a vicious cycle within a family that’s difficult to break away from.
Distress, Anger, and Heavy Emotions
People dealing with addiction might not always feel like they have full control over their own emotions. When you’re living in a household with family members, that lack of control can create many distressing moments.
You might start dealing with things like withdrawals, making you more susceptible to anger and aggression. Some people struggling with addiction can even turn to violent behaviors. Even if you don’t have children who can witness these behaviors, it can harm your relationship with your spouse or partner, other family members around you, or even friends trying to help.
The Effects on the Family
Keep in mind that it’s not always adults who deal with addiction. Teenage addiction is a genuine and scary thing. It will take a toll on a family from the inside out. It’s not uncommon for teens to succumb to drug or alcohol use due to peer pressure and a variety of other factors. When that usage turns into addiction, you might start to notice things like reckless behavior, poor grades in school, and strained relationships at home.
Addiction affecting anyone in the family can lead to issues like financial hardships, mood swings, and lowered inhibitions. Of course, seeing your child deal with it — even if they’re older — can be a wake-up call that help is needed immediately.
What Can You Do?
If you’re the one dealing with addiction, admitting you have a problem is the first step. If you can see how it’s affecting your family and are ready to make a positive change, don’t hesitate to ask for help today. That looks different for everyone and might include a rehabilitation program, therapy, or a combination of treatment options.
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