Ways That Addiction Can Affect the Family

Individuals struggling with a substance abuse disorder (i.e., addiction)  is often perceived as a personal problem; but is that accurate? Does addiction only affect the drug user? While research has proven that harmful substances have a devastating effect on the user; we also know that substance abuse affects spouses, children, parents and other relatives who witness a family member battling addiction.

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Addiction Never Just Impacts One Person

Families impacted by the consequences of addiction often experience emotional pain, stress and anxiety; as well as financial , legal, medical, and other serious issues resulting from a loved ones addiction. Family members may witness their relative fly into rages when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Others may see their relatives lose weight rapidly - becoming unrecognizable and unkept. Some may not hear from a loved one for long periods of time, only to discover they are homeless and living on the streets, or in a hospital due to a near fatal overdose, or worse. Such shock can cause a relative to endure severe mental trauma, depression or develop unhealthy coping mechanisms to try to deal with what they are experiencing.

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How Addiction Impacts Young Children

According to Psychology Today, 1 in 5 children grow up in a home where a parent abuses drugs or alcohol. Witnessing the trauma of a parent suffering addiction at a young age has long-term effects on the child. Children growing up seeing a parent addicted to drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop substance use disorders in their adulthood. They are also 3 times more likely to be neglected physically and sexually abused. Seeing a parent on drugs often creates distressing emotions which not only create delays in learning and development, but prolonged mental and emotional disorders.

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Teenage Addiction 

The CDC reports underaged drinkers have more drinks per drinking occasion than their adult counterparts. At least 19% of individuals between 12 to 20 years old drink alcohol regularly, but due to underreporting the figure is most likely much higher. Marijuana use is more common in teens than cigarette smoking or other drug use. Teenagers deal with peer pressure in school and are also constantly bombarded with temptation for trying new or dangerous drugs. Additionally, teens who have experienced parental substance abuse are more likely to abuse substances and have a higher risk of becoming addicts themselves in their teens and adulthood. Teenage addiction is often linked to external factors such as - peer pressure in schools and college - as well as internal factors, such as genetics, family-life dynamics, and self-medication.