Effects of Substance Abuse On Families
Substance abuse is the overindulgence or excessive use of a chemical or physical substance beyond what would be considered normal under conventional societal norms. When substance abuse becomes a problem within a family, the effects can be devastating and life altering for not only the nuclear unit of the family but the extended family as well. Anyone maintaining a relationship with the substance abuser can be affected by the habit.
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Adaptation
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When substance abuse affects a family, the members of the family may try to adapt, changing their relationships by accommodating the addiction in an effort to preserve the family unit.
Denial
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Members of a family may be in denial about substance abuse in much the same way the abuser is in denial about the problem. The substance abuse may have been an issue for some time before the family openly recognizes the problem.
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Estrangement
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When someone in a family has a substance abuse problem, the abuser grows selfish, centers his life around obtaining and using the substance, and diverts energy away from family and friends. The result is a deterioration of these relationships and eventual estrangement from significant others.
Home Environment
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Substance abuse by a family member dissolves the cohesive unit once experienced inside the home. The abuser's behavior grows secretive and suspicious, his activities grow secretive and he isolates himself from other members of the household, expectations will fail to be met, trust and accountability will be compromised and communication with the abuser will become difficult if achieved at all.
Co-Dependency
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Co-dependency is one of the more serious effects of substance abuse on a family. When the sufferer becomes conditioned to the relationship with the substance abuser, adopting a learned emotional and behavioral condition impedes the sufferer's ability to participate in all other relationships.
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