Impact of Addiction on Families
Published: 01/04/2020
How does addiction affect family and friends?
Addiction doesn’t only affect the person who is engaged in substance use but it also impacts family and friends. Actions and behaviours linked to substance abuse can result in negative consequences not only for the person struggling with addiction but also for their loved ones. Seeing a family member struggle with addiction can have various psychological impacts and break relationships. Family dynamics are often destroyed and need to be rebuilt within recovery. Due to behaviours such as lying and hiding which is common in substance abuse, trust is often broken and family members can feel angry, overwhelmed and sad.
Why it is so important to get loved ones on board during recovery?
Over the last decade more and more studies showed that involving family in addiction treatment positively impacts recovery. An important element of family involvement is building support networks and rebuilding relationships which were negatively affected by the addiction.
A few things can be done towards supporting a healthy recovery process, such as learning about addiction and recovery. Understanding why a family member is struggling with addiction and how addiction affects the individual can be incredibly useful when it comes to support. Avoiding stigma around the disease open communication around how addiction affects both sides is essential for long-term sobriety.
What help is available?
There are many services available which specialise on family support and education around addiction.
- Support services: There are many useful addiction support services in your local area or online which provide information and support for people who struggle with addiction and also their family and friends. FRANK is one these services.
- Family therapy: Many therapists offer treatment which looks at addiction from a holistic viewpoint and aims to integrate families into recovery. This can be very helpful, especially is family dynamics are very challenging and need more attention than only focusing on support.
- Family support groups: There are many great support groups targeting family members and friends who have been affected by someone struggling with addiction. Especially parents who going through recovery, have to involving their families and children by joining family support groups or within their therapy. Both Alcoholics Anonymise and SMART Recovery offer dedicated family meetings.
How can Right at Home support your recovery?
Our highly skilled team from Right at Home Central London offers unique support for you to learn how to manage your recovery and maintain long-term sobriety.
Challenging family dynamics are very common for everyone going through recovery; therefore, we’ll offer the support you need to rebuild these important relationships. We are a confidential companion that is there is advocate on our clients’ behalf with their families.
Learn more about our Addiction Recovery Support service here.
