How To Help A Drug Addict Family Member

The impact of substance use disorders extends far beyond the individual struggling with addiction. Families, friends, and communities often bear the weight of this burden as well. Drug addiction is often referred to as a family disease because of the way addiction affects the entire family unit.

Substance abuse remains a significant public health concern, with millions of families affected each year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), approximately 19.3 million adults in the United States battled a substance use disorder in 2020. This article will provide insight into how to help someone struggling with addiction, whether that be a spouse, family member, child or friend.

Before you can effectively help someone with addiction, it's essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Look for changes in behavior, mood swings, secrecy about their activities, and physical symptoms such as weight loss or dilated pupils. Understanding the signs of addiction can help you approach the situation with empathy and awareness. Learn more about signs and symptoms of addiction.

Is My Family Member An Addict?

Is Your Loved One Reluctant To Receive Help?

Understanding the reasons behind someone's reluctance to seek help for their substance use is the first step toward offering effective support. Individuals facing addiction often face several barriers, such as:

Stigma: Society's perception of addiction can be stigmatizing, making your loved one hesitant to admit their struggles due to fear of judgment and discrimination.

Denial: Addiction can cloud judgment, leading many to deny the severity of their problem. They may believe they have control over their substance use, which often is not the truth.

Fear of Consequences: The prospect of facing legal, financial, or personal consequences due to substance use can deter individuals from seeking help.

Lack of Awareness: Some individuals may not fully recognize the extent of their addiction or may not be aware of available treatment options. This is where our patient advocates can answer any questions they may have.

Isolation: Addiction can lead to social isolation, with individuals often distancing themselves from friends and family who may try to intervene.

Expressing Concern and Offering Support

Approach your loved one with compassion and concern, expressing your worries about their well-being. Avoid judgment or criticism and instead focus on offering support and encouragement. Let them know that you're there for them and that you're willing to help them seek treatment when they're ready. Encourage open and honest communication, and be prepared to listen without passing judgment. If you do not feel comfortable or capable of having that conversation, that is ok. There are professionals that can help facilitate this process. The Archway Foundation has cetrified interventionists on staff that can help you every step of the way.

While supporting someone with addiction is essential, it's also crucial to set boundaries and prioritize your own well-being. Many times, a family will enable a drug addict family member in hopes of keeping them safe or out of trouble. While it may seem like the right thing to do, it can actually have the reverse affect. It allows the drug addict family member to continue using while avoiding consequenses.

It is vital to establish clear boundaries around behavior that you're willing to tolerate and enforce them consistently. Take time for self-care, engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and seek support from friends, family, or a support group. It is vital that you take care of your own mental health as you are trying to help your loved one. Family therapy has shown to produce great benefits for the entire family and help families heal from the lasting effects of addiction on the family dynamic.

How To Set Boundaries With Drug Addict Family Members

How Does Addiction Affect The Family?

Addiction doesn't just affect the individual struggling with substance abuse; it also has a profound impact on their family members. Too often are families torn apart by the destructive using of a family member with drug addiction. Drug addiction is a family disease, meaning that the drug addict family member is not the only one who is sick. Family members often experience stress, conflict, and emotional turmoil as they navigate the challenges associated with their loved one's addiction. Here are some common ways that family members are affected by a drug addict family member:

Emotional Turmoil: Family members often experience a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, guilt, and shame, as they witness their loved one's struggle with addiction. They may feel helpless, frustrated, and overwhelmed by the situation, leading to increased stress and anxiety within the family dynamic.

Breakdown of Trust: Addiction can erode trust between family members, as the individual struggling with substance abuse may engage in deceitful or manipulative behaviors to hide their addiction. This breach of trust can strain relationships and create a sense of betrayal and resentment among family members.

Financial Strain: Addiction can lead to financial instability within the family, as the individual struggling with substance abuse may prioritize their addiction over their financial responsibilities. This can result in unpaid bills, debt, and strained finances, placing additional stress on family members and potentially leading to financial hardship.

Changes in Family Roles: Addiction can disrupt family dynamics and lead to changes in roles and responsibilities within the family unit. Family members may take on caregiving roles or become enablers, tolerating the individual's addictive behavior by making excuses or covering up for them. This can create tension and resentment among family members and further exacerbate the situation.

Physical and Mental Health Issues: Living with a loved one's addiction can take a toll on family members' physical and mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common among family members of individuals struggling with addiction. Additionally, family members may neglect their own health needs as they prioritize caring for their loved one, leading to increased risk of health problems.

Social Isolation: Family members may experience social isolation and withdrawal as they struggle to cope with their loved one's addiction. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed to discuss the situation with others, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. This can further exacerbate the emotional toll of addiction on the family.

(Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/, https://www.psychiatry.org/)

If you or someone you know is grappling with alcoholism or addiction, seeking help is the first crucial step toward recovery. At The Archway Foundation Recovery Center, we offer tailored solutions to meet diverse needs. Whether you require full-time immersive treatment, part-time treatment, or a structured sober living environment, our comprehensive programs cater to your unique journey. Our dedicated team led by our founder Peter Marinelli is here to guide and support you every step of the way. Don't navigate this journey alone—reach out to our treatment center and embark on a path to lasting recovery.