One of the hardest parts of living with someone who struggles with addiction is that change doesn’t come easy. The way that addiction affects the inner workings of the brain makes it incredibly difficult to overcome. The person in question likely has little control over realizing that they have a problem to begin with – much less admitting it.
Despite a friend or family member’s love, concern, or sincere desire to help, the challenges of living with someone who is addicted to drugs or alcohol are very real.
Family Impact
Addiction can have a dramatic impact on family relationships. In fact, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) calls addiction a “family disease” because it takes a toll on each member of the family and leads to dysfunction within the family system.
Substance abuse and divorce are also closely intertwined. Addiction is often one of the greatest challenges a marriage will face, and it can impact the next generation as well. Children of addicted parents are less likely to marry and more likely to get divorced than children who don’t grow up with addiction in their home.
Common Stressors
For loved ones who’ve been living with a person who is addicted for quite some time, there are numerous stressors they are likely experiencing:
- Arguments with their loved one about their drinking or drug use habits
- Feeling hopeless or frustrated that their loved one continues to make and then break promises
- Finding that money or medications are missing, causing them to question if they can trust their loved one
- Frequent attempts to talk to their loved one about rehab that are met with defensiveness or refusal
- Little hours of sleep due to worry about their loved one
- Self-guilt, shame, and blaming themselves for perpetuating their loved one’s addictive behaviors
Do Your Research and Seek Help
It’s incredibly difficult to live with someone who is battling addiction because this disease literally affects the way a person thinks, lives, and breathes. Doing research and seeking help are important for anyone who wants to determine the next best step for their loved one and for themselves.
Throughout this process, it is also important to:
- Acknowledge and understand the true nature of addiction
- Face the truth, even if you don’t want to
- See your own behavior more clearly
- Set boundaries with your loved one when they ask for something that will only hurt them or you further
- Remember to look after yourself
If you’re ready to seek help for your loved one, speak with a professional from Alta Loma today.
There is hope for recovery. At Alta Loma, we treat residents with a variety of substance use issues and co-occurring mental health disorders and get them back on track. We can help your loved one achieve sustainable, long-term recovery and a healthier life. Call us today at (866) 457-3843.
