1 in 7 Americans will eventually suffer from an addiction.
Addiction not only affects the person, but it also takes a toll on those around them. The families of those individuals suffering from addiction are also victims of the disease.
If you or someone you know are dealing with this situation, it’s best to stay informed.
Read on to learn more about the effects of addiction on family.
1. Negative Roles
Addiction often damages the core of family dynamics. Many times in this scenario a member of the family can be seen as an enabler in the eyes of others.
When this happens, the enabler is in denial about the person’s addition. This can create a division among those who see the addiction for what it is.
2. The Caretaker Role
Those who suffer from addiction deal with symptoms that impair them from taking care of themselves.
When this happens, those closest to them have to take the role of the caretakers. Always caring for an adult who suffers from addiction can become a huge burden.
3. Isolation from Others
When a parent, for example, has a child who is dealing with addiction it can become difficult for them to admit it.
Since they fear the judgment of others, they tend to withdraw from the rest of their family and friends. They take the role of the “protector” and stop taking care of their other relationships.
This separation often makes them feel more alone than ever. Without a support system, it can be almost impossible for them to process their feelings.
4. Jeopardizes Financial Stability
It no secret addiction costs a lot of money. Alcohol abuse, for example, costs about $249 billion a year. Those suffering from addiction need to constantly get money to pay for substances the deeper they get.
A person could lose their job due to their addiction. When this happens, they need to find another source of income to support not only their addiction but also their bills.
They can sometimes resort to their family to get financial help. Their families could end up picking up the slack and taking more financial heat.
Many families take on the extra financial burden which can take a toll on them in many ways.
5. Abuse
Often times, the family of those suffering from addiction have to go through a lot of abuse. When a person abuses drugs or alcohol, it has an effect on their brain.
There’s no telling how a person’s brain will be affected by their addiction. Their inhibitions get lower and they might react violently towards their family.
The abuse can come in many ways such as verbal, emotional, physical, and even sexual. It can affect spouses, children, and other family members.
The families of those who are battling addiction also need to get help to deal with the abuse. Places like Inspire Malibu can help those suffering from addiction, and help their families change their lives forever.
Effects of Addiction on Family: The Bottom Line
Addiction not only affects the person, but it also takes down those around them. The effects of addiction on family include dealing with abuse, financial burden, creates negative roles and forces them to take the role of the caretakers.
Want to learn 6 ways to negate your stress at home, check out this article.