There is an increased number of people who are struggling with either drug or substance addiction or both. Based on the latest annual report of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are 139.8 million people who are intoxicated with alcohol; whereas there are 27.7 million people who are marijuana abusers. The numbers are alarming as most individuals are destroying themselves without seeking any professional help. But behind this is the families who are struggling with the adverse effect of their family members’ addiction.

Addiction VS. Family Members: The Psychological Impact

Addiction does not only affect the individuals who are overusing it. It also damages the entire family. One can expect everyday misunderstandings, heated arguments, and tension within the household. Family members can also feel guilt, resentment, sadness, and fear over their intoxicated members. Stress levels of each member are high and would possibly result in anxiety, depression, and mental breakdown. 

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Children suffer the most negative effects of living with addicted family members. Most of the time, children may feel neglected and unloved by their family member who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With this, they learn to develop a mental barrier that serves as their protection in the reality that they are facing. They would also cope with the situation by establishing adult-like behaviors. 

However, the children may also manifest extreme behaviors as a result of exposing to an unhealthy living environment. The common acts that they might do include violence towards their peers, inability to concentrate on their schoolwork, and not attending their classes. These kinds of reactions may leave emotional wounds and could later affect their adult lives. 

If the family member is one of the children of the family, parents may develop cynical emotions towards their child and themselves. With the inconsistent mood and behaviors of their children, they could establish denial over the reality, sudden outbursts of anger, and depression. 

Addiction VS. Family Members: The Cognitive and Financial Impact

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As we know, any form of addiction tends to affect the physical and cognitive functions of the abuser. Several implications of drug and substance abuse may include forgetfulness, absentmindedness, and hallucinations. If left untreated, addicted individuals may abandon their work, studies, and family responsibilities. Their family members may not sustain their savings, houses, and daily needs. The worst situation that could devastate a household financially is to be impoverished while their addicted family member satisfies his/her impulsive addiction behaviors. 

Addiction VS. Family Members: The Social Impact

Addiction greatly contributes to the family’s socialization towards other people. Some may feel distant and some may act differently when interacting with their friends, colleagues, and the community. They might also unconsciously imitate the behaviors of their addicted loved-ones. 

The changes in the social behaviors of the family members tend to result in two things. First, other people may provide extra emotional support to the affected family members and would try to help them in any way they can. This can include deep understanding with the living atmosphere of their acquaintance and helping them to seek professional help for their intoxicated member. But there are also people who would display feelings of disgust and veer their judgments over their friends or colleagues with addicted family members. 

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The social impact of addiction also affects the overall relationship of the immediate family with their extended family members. Since there is a diverse culture in each family, one might not show affection and support with the immediate family of the intoxicated individual. Because of this, the direct members of the family may isolate themselves as they feel huge denial, embarrassment, and helplessness with their current situation. 

Seeking Professional Help

The best way to help individuals with drug and substance dependency is by seeking professional help. Nowadays, there are numerous rehabilitation centers that offer inpatient and outpatient programs for intoxicated people. Depending on the severity and level of dependency, the addicted family member may take a short-term and long-term rehabilitation care. 

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For the immediate family members, there are different support groups among their communities that offer emotional, social, spiritual, and financial support. They can help each family member to conquer their feelings of anger, grief, shame, and hopelessness with the customized plans and methods that would fit the needs and goals of each individual.