Mental Health Monday – Guest Post – The 5 Most Serious Effects of Drug Addiction on Family
Today’s Mental Health Monday post is from a guest writer and all about the impact of drug addiction – not just on the person with the addiction, but their family too.
The 5 Most Serious Effects of Drug Addiction on Family
It is common for families to have tremendous and confusing emotions while dealing with a loved one who is suffering from an addiction. These feelings may have a profound impact on even the strongest of relationships. A loved one suffering from an addiction recognises that their loved one is not attempting to create difficulties or bring them harm on purpose. Because of their empathy, they wish to provide him or her their support, love, and encouragement.
The deception, lying, and other types of emotional abuse that the addict sends their way on a regular basis, on the other hand, are a source of anguish and frustration for the whole family unit. As a consequence, these negative feelings present themselves in harmful ways, which may put a strain on family relationships and lead to divorce. The Orange County rehab comes to aid in such situations and helping you out of it.
The following are some of the most significant ways that drug misuse has an impact on a family’s well-being.
- The Effects on Children
According to studies, one in every five children grows up with a parent who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. If a parent is struggling with an addiction or drug abuse issue, the consequences of that disease are more than likely to have an impact on the development of the kid. This is particularly problematic in single-parent families, when the children have no one else to turn to for support and guidance.
When a parent has an addiction, they will be overly preoccupied with seeking out and consuming their drug of choice, which will cause them to get distracted from their duties. Consequently, they will fall short of meeting the needs of their child. There is a wide spectrum of duty involved, from failing to provide fundamental necessities such as food and keeping the kid clean to secondary needs such as ensuring their child receives an education and participates in social activities.
- Loss of Confidence
Addicts aren’t likely to follow through on their commitments or pledges, and this creates extra pressure in their relationships. While it is true that most addicts have good intentions, the effects of the drugs make it impossible for them to follow through on their promises. As a result, if they’re in a relationship, their significant other will be dissatisfied by the addict’s failure to fulfil their responsibilities to the partnership.
- Increased Stress Levels
Because they are suffering from addiction, it is probable that the addict will abandon all of their obligations to their spouse. As a result, the partner is transformed into an enabler. Maintaining financial obligations, making choices, raising children, and cleaning up after the addict will take its toll on the other parent very rapidly. As a result, they are at an increased risk of developing stress-related illnesses such as high blood pressure and anxiety. Individuals who hold their tension in are more likely to erupt and let all of their emotions out at the same time, according to research. This might result in even greater tension and suffering for the members of the family.
- Financial Difficulties
It takes a lot of money to support an addiction. Furthermore, the person’s drug misuse issue will almost certainly result in the individual losing their work as a result of poor performance or attendance. After that, they’ll resort to their money in order to satisfy their addiction to heroin. As a result, the family will begin to have financial difficulties in paying for necessities such as food, clothes, electricity, and rent or mortgage. There may also be legal ramifications, such as being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The expenditures linked with this result in an even worse financial crisis.
- Abuse on a Physical and Emotional Level
The addict’s drug misuse is likely to make him or her crazy, and it is also likely to make everyone around them feel uncomfortable. As a consequence, ordinary arguments may escalate into large-scale battles as everyone feels misunderstood and frustrated. Physical violence may begin to develop as a result of everyone behaving out of character, on top of the emotional abuse that has already occurred. Even while addicts might be the perpetrators of abuse, the fact that they are vulnerable makes them vulnerable to being victims of abuse as well.
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