When someone is suffering from an addiction, their condition affects more than just themselves. Substance abuse is a problem that radiates outward, potentially affecting the individual’s spouse, children, parents and other family members. There are many ways in which families may be affected by addiction, in both the short and long terms, including:
Relationship Trouble
Addiction can strain family relationships by causing conflict and trust issues. For significant others, addiction can lead to a wide variety of problems ranging from lack of communication to guilt and shame. Parents of an individual struggling with addiction may feel helpless and confused. Children, even from a young age, can feel the strain placed on the family and the disconnect created by addiction.
Financial Problems
Financial problems may also plague families as they try and deal with the addiction. This may be a result of the individuals’ habits, a lost job, unpaid bills or other new expenses due to the situation. This could mean other family members end up working extra jobs or “picking up slack” in other ways to keep the household running.
Emotional Trauma
Addiction can result in health issues and medical bills not only for an individual who is using substances, but also for other family members; this can becoming overwhelming over time. For some families, seeing the progression of an addiction can even lead to trauma and take a toll on mental health. Fear and stress can also increase for some family members as an addiction becomes more serious or an addict begins experiencing the consequences of their actions.