By The worst thing about this is that it not only affects the user’s psychological and physiological states — it also affects those around them, especially their family members. If you select here https://impactrecoverycenter.net/, you will learn more about rehab and detox programs for your loved one. The government and different organizations have tried their best to fight this monster, but the damage is already done on several occasions. Below, you will learn more about how drug abuse affects families and the possible solutions.
The Effects
A significant number of families globally have one or some of their members who are addicted to drugs and alcohol. This has become a daily recipe for stress, trauma, and depression for the user and their families. So, what are the most common effects of drug abuse on families?
Financial Challenges
For employed individuals and those who own businesses, addiction to drugs and alcohol leads to under-performance and poor attendance to their duties. This consequently results in the individual being laid off from work or closing down their business. After a while, the addict may be forced to tap into their savings to get money for drugs. If the person is the family’s bread-winner, they may not afford the money for basic needs, such as food, rent, clothing, and education.
Lack of Trust
It is difficult for an addict to fulfill promises and agreements, which leads to reduced or lack of trust in their relationship and marriage. Sometimes, they are committed to the agreements and wish to follow through, but substance abuse makes them forget or unable to fulfill their promises. Additionally, the psychological effects on children are immense, especially if their addicted parents promise them something but do not deliver it. This affects how children relate with other people, because they do not know who to trust.
Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, there has been an abrupt increase in child and domestic abuse cases, most of which result from drug abuse and addiction. The number of kids who have been physically and sexually molested by their addicted relatives is going up by the day. When such kids grow up, they are likely to get into substance abuse to try and forget the trauma they went through during their childhood. Two out of three patients getting treatment for drug abuse confess that they were abused sexually, physically, or mentally in their early years.
Forgotten Roles
The most probable thing is that an addict is not able to handle their responsibilities to their family. Therefore, the ideal step is to hand over all the duties to their better half, making them enablers. Running what is supposed to be your partner’s responsibility, for instance, paying the bills, raising the children, and making important decisions, can take a toll on you. This will lead to instantly elevated stress levels, which could cause hypertension and other stress-related conditions.
Helping an Addict
If you take on this responsibility, the chances of solving the addiction problem are high. There are several ways in which you can help your loved one quit drugs and get back to their ordinary lives:
- Encourage them to go for counseling.
- Establish trust in them and work hard to create a sturdy relationship. However, remember not to become an enabler.
- Be open-minded, especially when the patient is explaining how they got into drugs.
- Consider different treatment options, such as taking them to a rehab and detox facility.
- Understand that recovery is an ongoing procedure.
People abuse different substances today for various reasons, such as to cure stress and trauma or due to peer pressure and psychological disorders. Drug abuse has affected a lot of families today in different ways, as explained above. If you see any symptoms of substance abuse in your family members, it is advisable to try and help them at the earliest time possible.
