Drug or alcohol addiction adversely affects the family members of the addicted individual. The effects of drug abuse on the addict are obvious. The consequences of addiction only worsen as time passes. Short-term and long-term health impacts, mounting debt, job loss, legal issues, and other social and legal problems are all possible outcomes. However, the effects are seen not just by those suffering from drug or alcohol addiction. The ripples of an addict’s active addiction go far beyond themselves. Everyone in the immediate circle feels the effects when a family member has an alcohol or drug addiction. Having a loved one with an addiction may significantly impact the lives of those around them.
Physical Consequences of Drug or Alcohol Addiction on Family Members
Drug addiction can affect loved ones in many ways, some of which are very violent. Some of them are as follows:
- Children are at risk for developing PTSD.
If you’re a parent, your drug abuse might be causing serious harm to your kids. When underage kids go through terrible experiences, they can develop PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). The emotional and physical burdens of this condition may be severe.
- Drug or alcohol addiction may cause violent behavior.
Addicts are more likely to resort to violence, even against their intimate partners. While intoxication from some substances may produce erratic behavior, the stress and strain inherent in any addiction can lead to violent outbursts at any time.
- Mood disorders
To see a loved one succumb to drug or alcohol addiction is one of life’s most trying experiences. In certain cases, this may result in the onset of clinical depression. Depression, if left untreated, may have devastating long-term consequences for a person’s health, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The Psychological Effects of Drug or Alcohol Addiction on Family Members
Many persons with substance abuse problems often experience the tragic loss of close family and friends. Drug abuse can also potentially isolate you from friends and family and have negative psychological effects on those closest to you. Some ways that drugs and alcohol addiction may bring emotional harm to those closest to the addict are as follows:
- It can lead to distrust.
Addiction makes it challenging to be open and honest with friends and family. To fund their drug or alcohol addictions, many individuals resort to stealing from those closest to them. Dishonesty may create tension and distance between you and your family members, even in less dramatic circumstances.
- Could lead to emotionally draining fights
If you continue to abuse drugs, you’ll probably get into fights with people you care about. Conflicts with loved ones, even blood relatives like siblings, parents, and children, can be emotionally draining.
Get The Most Effective Help for Your Loved One in Houston
It’s hard, frustrating, and exhausting to deal with the effects of an addicted loved one. While the situation may seem dire, there is yet hope. Those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and their loved ones may find support at an addiction treatment center. The addiction treatment services at Mallard Lake Detox Center are extensive and thorough. We are here to assist you and your beloved one overcome substance abuse. The struggle of supporting a loved one who can’t maintain sobriety is something we’ve experienced, and we’re here to help. Please feel free to contact an admissions representative who can help answer any questions you may have right now. Fortunately, you don’t have to face this menace alone.
