Unfortunately, drug abuse and addiction does not only touch the life of the addict but also everyone who is close to them. Family members may have the best intentions, but often, they get caught up in the web of drug addiction. They may not become addicts themselves but there are consequences nonetheless. Mentally and physically, a loved one’s drug addiction takes its toll on family members. Normally the first thing that happens is a change in sleeping patterns. Most drug addicts keep some strange hours and many times, coming home or being high creates behavior that wakes the entire family.
Those who care about a drug addict also begin to take on the responsibility of the addiction. They take on the guilt and other emotions that are so common for family members of drug addicts. After a while, this can lead to serious depression and/or anxiety. This may be increased if the drug addict becomes physically or mentally abusive or takes part in destructive behaviors. All of this takes a toll on family members, even the children, who will be affected by this for many years to come.
Out of sheer desperation and frustration, family members may even begin quarreling amongst themselves. This often happens if one or more of the family members become an “enabler” and the other family members want to take action against the addiction. The entire family can get caught up in this drug induced environment that is being caused by the actions of one person. In some cases, sadly, some family members will turn to alcohol, or oddly enough, drugs in order to try to ease the stress they are feeling. To say that addiction is a family affair is not an overstatement. Addiction touches the lives of everyone who comes in contact with the addict. To one degree or another, there is a permanent, if not long lasting effect on each and every one of them.
Sadly, even children are profoundly affected by drug addiction. They are still learning about relationships and how they work. To throw addiction into the mix along with all of the confusion and uncertainty that brings only teaches them about bad relationships. As a result, the addict is not the only one who should seek help.
Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction.