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How does addiction affect people’s lives?
Substance use is a pervasive issue that extends far beyond the individual struggling with dependence. While the focus often lies on the person using the substances, it’s crucial to recognize that addiction profoundly impacts their parents as well. Parents endure emotional stress, financial burdens, and strained family relationships, making it essential to understand how addiction impacts parents to provide comprehensive support and effective treatment.
And you may be wondering, if others are not the ones using or having the direct consequences of the substances, how does addiction affect people’s lives? Well, it can strain relationships, cause emotional and financial stress, and lead to a breakdown of trust and communication within families. In addition, it can lead to social isolation, legal problems, and health problems, not only for the individual but also for those around them.
This blog by GateHouse Treatment will explore how addiction affects families, especially parents, and how families can cope with the challenges of substance dependence with our help.
Substance Abuse and Its Effect
The use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs, can lead to addiction—a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes in the brain. These changes affect the way individuals think, feel, and behave, leading to significant impairment in their daily lives.
According to the National Library of Medicine, substance abuse alters the brain’s chemistry, affecting neurotransmitters that regulate mood, behavior, and cognition. Drugs stimulate the brain’s reward system, producing feelings of pleasure and euphoria. Over time, the brain adapts to the excessive dopamine release, leading to reduced sensitivity to natural rewards and the development of tolerance, where more of the substance is needed to achieve the same effect. This cycle of tolerance and dependence is what leads to addiction.
Moreover, addiction leads to a range of behavioral and psychological changes. Individuals may become secretive, neglect responsibilities, and engage in risky behaviors. They might prioritize substance use over relationships, work, and other essential aspects of life. Psychological effects can include mood swings, anxiety, depression, paranoia, and hallucinations, all of which can strain relationships with family and friends.
Understanding the Parental Struggle with Their Child Addiction
Addiction is one of the most common disorders in society, affecting nearly 39.5 people worldwide, according to WHO. Society might see substance dependence as an individual problem, but addiction impacts parents in significant ways.
As addiction progresses, parents often struggle to comprehend the changes in their children across significant life areas. The progression is subtle and ongoing, causing worsening conditions for the family system and each member. Without solid support and clear explanations from outsiders, parents often misinterpret the situation, attributing it to more socially acceptable issues like depression, peer problems, or academic challenges, according to the study Adolescent addiction: What parents need? This struggle for understanding underscores the significant day-to-day challenges faced by parents of teenage addicts, highlighting the intense impact of addiction on the entire family system compared to substance abuse behaviors.
Initially, parents may see their teenager’s drug use as a typical part of adolescence, possibly reflecting their own experiences. They hope it is a phase that will pass. However, the study shows that for many parents, this was not the case, as their teenagers advanced into substance dependency. Moreover, it often took parents up to two years to recognize that the problem was more than just a stage of life. Some teenagers rapidly descended into addiction, making the changes more visible and dramatic.
The study also reveals the challenges parents face when seeking help. They often feel excluded from therapeutic efforts focused solely on the individual, resulting in little communication between therapists and parents. Parents expressed a need for therapists to address the problem as a family issue, involving the whole family in interventions. This approach helps in providing support to both the individual and the parents, fostering unity rather than separation. The study emphasizes the necessity of family-oriented interventions and more upfront communication from support systems to create a cohesive understanding of the problem, aiding parents in overcoming denial and choosing effective interventions.
4 Ways on How Addiction Impacts Parents
KFF reports that nearly 30% of U.S. adults indicate that they or a family member has experienced opioid addiction, which includes both prescription painkillers and illegal opioids like heroin. Among the two-thirds of adults who report they or a family member experienced addiction, 50% of all adults say it had at least a minor impact on their family relationships. Most also report that addiction affects their mental health and their family’s financial situation. Significant shares describe these impacts as “major,” with about 32% citing substantial effects on mental health, 29% on economic conditions, and 42% on familial relationships.
The stress, anxiety, and uncertainty accompanying dependence can strain relationships, disrupt daily routines, and create a tense home environment. Here’s how addiction impacts parents:
1. Emotional Turmoil
Parents of individuals struggling with addiction often experience intense emotional turmoil. They may feel a deep sense of guilt, constantly questioning their parenting decisions and wondering if they could have done something differently to prevent their child’s addiction. This “parental guilt” can lead to feelings of failure, despair, and chronic stress. Additionally, parents might face sleepless nights worrying about their child’s safety, legal troubles, or health issues. The constant stress and worry can take a significant toll on their own mental and physical health, leading to problems such as depression, anxiety, and even chronic illnesses.
2. Financial Strain
The financial burden of supporting a child with addiction can be overwhelming. Parents might deplete their savings, incur debt, or face financial instability as they cover the costs of treatment, legal fees, and other related expenses. This economic strain can exacerbate stress and anxiety, affecting the overall well-being of the parents.
3. Relationship Stress
Dependence can strain relationships within the family, particularly between parents. Disagreements over how to handle the addicted child’s behavior, allocate resources, or manage the emotional toll can lead to conflict and tension. This stress can weaken the marital bond, sometimes resulting in separation or divorce.
4. Social Isolation
The stigma surrounding addiction can lead to social isolation for parents. They may feel ashamed, embarrassed, or judged by others, leading them to withdraw from social activities and support networks. This isolation can make it even more challenging to seek help and support.
Dealing with Parental Guilt When a Child Struggles with Substance Addiction
Having a child struggle with substance dependence can be an incredibly distressing experience for parents. Alongside the emotional and practical challenges, many parents grapple with profound feelings of guilt. They may question their parenting decisions, wonder if they could have prevented their child’s addiction, or blame themselves for their child’s struggles. Addressing and managing these feelings of guilt is crucial for both the parents’ well-being and their ability to support their child effectively. Here’s how parents can deal with guilt when faced with a child’s substance addiction:
Acknowledge That Guilt Is Normal but Unproductive: Parents need to recognize that feelings of guilt are a common reaction when dealing with a child’s dependence. These feelings can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to understand that guilt is not productive and does not contribute to resolving the situation. Instead, acknowledge these feelings without letting them dominate your actions or decisions.
Seek Professional Help: Professionals can provide parents with coping strategies, help them reframe their thinking, and offer support in managing the emotional turmoil associated with addiction. Therapy can also help parents develop healthier ways to cope with their emotions and focus on constructive actions.
Educate Yourself About Addiction: Understanding that addiction is a complex disease influenced by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors can help shift the focus away from self-blame. Education about substance use disorder can empower parents with knowledge on how to support their child effectively and recognize that addiction is not solely a result of poor parenting or personal failure.
Focus on Self-Care: Taking care of oneself is crucial when supporting a family member with addiction. Parents need to prioritize their own physical and mental health by engaging in activities that reduce stress, such as exercise, hobbies, or relaxation techniques. Self-care also includes seeking support from friends, family, or support groups, which can provide emotional relief and practical advice.
Set Healthy Boundaries: Establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries is essential for both the parent’s and the loved one’s well-being. Boundaries help prevent enabling behaviors and protect parents from emotional exhaustion. It’s critical to strike a balance between offering support and allowing them to take responsibility for their recovery.
Join Support Groups: Connecting with other parents who are going through similar experiences can provide validation and reduce feelings of isolation. Support groups offer a space to share experiences, gain insight from others, and receive encouragement. Hearing from others who have navigated similar challenges can help parents feel less alone and more supported.
Communicate Openly with Your Loved One: Maintaining open lines of communication with your child can foster a supportive environment and help in understanding their needs and struggles. While it’s important to express concern and support, it’s equally crucial to listen actively and avoid judgmental or aggressive approaches.
Develop a Recovery Plan: Working with addiction specialists to develop a structured recovery plan can provide direction and hope. This plan should include treatment options, support resources, and strategies for managing relapse. Having a clear plan can help parents feel more in control and less burdened by feelings of guilt.
GateHouse Treatment: Our Mission is Your Recovery
At GateHouse Treatment, we understand the complexities of addiction and provide comprehensive support to families. We offer real recovery for real individuals by promoting personal responsibility, accountability, and overall client well-being. Our multi-facility treatment center in Nashua treats the whole client, not just the disease, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with dependence, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our robust family program supports the individual and the family through every step of the recovery process, helping them navigate the challenges of addiction and find the path to healing and recovery together. Call us at (855) 448-3588 or schedule a free consultation to learn more about our services and how we can assist you on the journey to rehabilitation.
Let us help you and your family find the support and care you need to overcome substance use and rebuild your lives.
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