Family Members of Addiction
Drug, alcohol and substance use additional impact nearly 20 million people in the US each year.
When looking for help, it is easy to find ads and resources for those struggling with addiction, but the impact of addiction does not start and end with the individual using the substance. Family members, friends, partners, spouses, children, parents, and anyone who knows loves and cares for an addict may find themselves experiencing significant emotional, mental, and even physical concerns as a result of the impact of their loved one’s addiction.
Understanding the Family Impact of Addiction and Substance Abuse disorders-
The impact of the pain of addiction is often far reaching and family members often pay a significant price.
The Addiction Center reported that family members of addicts may experience their own challenges as a result of secondary exposure to the addicted family member’s use and co-occurring behaviors. The types of challenging side effects of addiction for family members include:
Observation of substance-induced side effects and behaviors.
Witnessing withdrawal symptoms
Strain relationships and increased relational volatility
Financial challenges
Inconsistent or poor performances in school and work
And unpredictable impulsive or antisocial behaviors
(Click here to learn more bout the research from the Addiction Center on addiction and family impact)
Family members and friends of those battling addiction want so badly to help and support, but that help and support can come with great pain and challenges.
These types of experiences for family members of addicts can be uniquely painful, isolating, and confusing. If you or someone you love finds yourself in this position, know that you are not alone and there is a path to recovery for all of you.
Family Support and Intervention For Addiction
Of course, abstinence and management of substance use is the first step to recovery, but continued recovery relies heavily on the involvement, education, and changes of the family system of the addict. For this reason, appropriate family support, education, and intervention is a critical component of any successful addiction recovery plan. Not only does understanding of the disease help loved ones address the needs of the struggling addict, but it also helps the addict find comfort and empathy from those closest to them. The some of the necessary changes within the family system include:
Increase effective and clear communication between family members and the addicted family member
Setting clear and consistent boundaries aimed and supporting sober living and addiction recovery,
Considering behaviors associated with their own substance use to best facilitate long term recovery for their loved one obtaining sobriety
For this reason, it can be critically important that those impacted by the addition of a family member have the support and resources to process their own experiences in the family situation but also learn how they may be a critical part of their loved one’s long term sobriety support team.
At Salyer Counseling Group, we not only specialize in treating substance abuse for those struggling with an addiction, but we also specialize in the family dynamics of substance abuse. Family support services are just as important as substance abuse services but are significantly less sought after in comparison to substance abuse. All those affected by addiction can be treated within the same facility to increase the likelihood of long-term recovery.
If you are interested in learning more about how counseling services may help you in your journey to healing as someone who loves and cares about someone struggling with addiction, our team is ready to help. Our Arlington, TX-based counseling office offers in-person coursing services for those in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, and surrounding areas. We also offer online therapy services for all Texas residents, with additional access to Spanish Counseling services, Trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, and more.
