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Substance abuse is a significant problem in the United States, where many people have a loved one who has struggled with addiction. Family can impact addiction and recovery in both positive and negative ways. Loved ones are also affected by addiction, which can make the family dynamics surrounding addiction and recovery complicated or even confusing.
When it comes to substance abuse and addiction, such family dynamics are one factor that counselors in the profession must consider when working with patients in order to provide the best care and guidance. Whether you are the family member of someone struggling with an addiction or an aspiring counselor, it will be helpful to understand this topic.
Conversely, a person’s family can have a major impact on their path toward recovery. Because an addict’s family can become deeply involved in addiction, they should also be a part of the patient’s healing process. This participation can include actions such as:
In most situations in which a person is struggling, it’s typical for their family to offer their support and assistance. In the case of substance abuse, however, well-meaning efforts made by family members often allow or support the continuance of the addict’s substance abuse problem. Known as “enabling,” this dynamic can manifest in many ways, and addressing it is a critical part of a patient’s recovery process.
Some ways in which families may be enabling addiction include:
If you want to pursue a career where you can help people through the family dynamic of addiction, consider pursuing a career in substance abuse counseling. A Bachelor of Science in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse degree can provide you with the academic foundation and knowledge that you need to enter this field.
After the completion of an undergraduate degree, you may choose to pursue a master’s degree in a related area of study. This is a necessary step to practice as a counselor. You may also wish to seek certification and licensure, depending on your state and career goals.
In a Master of Science (MS) in Addiction Counseling program, students cover topics and courses such as:
These programs help prepare counselors to guide clients and their families through the dynamics of addiction.
Grand Canyon University offers a variety of psychology and counseling degrees to help grow your knowledge of the field. For more information on GCU’s online or campus degree programs, click the Request More Information button on this page.
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:
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 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.
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.
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