How are addiction and family issues tied together? When someone struggles with substance use, does the problem affect their loved ones? Yes, it does. Most users have family members who deeply care about them. The struggle with addiction, therefore, impacts them, too. Thus, the right treatment program gives everyone in the family the chance to heal and move forward. Whenever someone struggles with substance use disorder, the first people to see changes in behavior and face the consequences tend to be family members or loved ones. Family and loved ones tend to be the people we have the most contact with, so they are in a unique position to see the effects of drugs or alcohol on an individual.
Therefore, loved ones must get the treatment they need to heal their emotional and mental issues while learning to be appropriately supportive of someone dealing with the disease of addiction. With this in mind, Santé Center can offer family therapy and many other substance abuse treatment modalities. Call us at 866.238.3154 to learn more.
Addiction and Family Issues
As anyone who has ever been touched by addiction knows, its effects are far-reaching. It creates a host of problems and can even destroy families.
Addiction impacts a family’s financial and emotional stability. Members may have to take on different roles to navigate life with addiction. As the person struggling with substance abuse isolates themself, their loved ones may also withdraw from them.
In addition, children who grow up in homes with a parent with substance abuse issues are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. This behavior can create an ongoing cycle within a family.
When Family Members Enable
Whether it’s your child, spouse, or sibling, it can be devastating to watch as they grapple with drug and alcohol dependency. You’ve probably felt various emotions, including sadness, anger, resentment, fear, confusion, and guilt. These emotions are all perfectly normal.
Because you care so much, you might have enabled the user in your life without realizing it. You thought you were helping them, but enabling behaviors feed into addiction. If you covered for your family member because they couldn’t take care of their responsibilities or you put their needs before your own, this counts as enabling.
It can be hard to break out of such behaviors since they’re usually rooted in love. But, the best thing you can do for a loved one battling addiction is to support them without engaging in destructive habits.
Other Roles of Family in Addiction
Since addiction often leads to chaotic environments, members of the family may have to assume different roles. The breadwinner may become the caretaker. The caretaker may become the enabler. As old roles shift, new ones must be taken on in order for the family to survive.
It’s not uncommon for children to take on the role of caretaker. In some cases, they may have to raise their younger siblings while their parents are preoccupied with addiction. This can put a lot of stress on children and hinder their development.
If you’re struggling with addiction, it’s important to realize how your disease is affecting your loved ones. They are likely struggling, too. Seeking treatment can help you heal and begin to repair the damage addiction has caused.
Healing for the Whole Family
When your loved one enters rehab, you might be invited to participate in family counseling. This counseling can help everyone impacted by addiction begin to heal.
You’ll learn more about the connection between addiction and family problems. You may start understanding how and why your loved one turned to drug and alcohol abuse. By forgiving and asking for forgiveness, family members can repair the bonds that addiction broke.
Recovering Together with Santé Center for Healing
Santé Center for Healing can give you and your loved ones a fresh start. We’re a detox and addiction recovery center in Argyle, Texas. We understand the importance of treating people dealing with addiction and those who love them.
Our treatment programs include:
- Medical detox
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Residential program
We emphasize the 12-step approach, as well as research-based treatment.
If addiction and family issues threaten your home’s stability, contact us today at 866.238.3154 or fill out our online form and allow us to get back to you. Our caring professionals can guide you toward long-term recovery.
