Addiction Is A Family Disease, Not Just An Individual's
If someone is struggling with addiction, we often just think about the individual. After all, they are the ones who have the addiction. However, addiction affects more than just the person with the substance use problem. We may briefly think about the family or friends of the person who has an addiction. But, little emphasis is ever placed on how addiction also impacts the family.
Addiction has a way of wrecking emotional havoc on everyone involved. While it is common to just think of an addiction as an individual struggle, it is anything but. Here is why addiction is considered a family disease, and not just an individuals.
Addiction Is More Than An Individual Struggle
From an outside perspective, addiction can be confusing to think about. When someone watches a loved one struggle with it, they may feel any number of things. It is common for family members to feel angry over their family member choose drugs or alcohol. They may feel helpless, not knowing how to help them to stop using.
Or, they may feel confused about why they constantly make decisions that are not best for them.
Both the User And Family Can Experience Distressing Symptoms
It was only recently that conversations have began when talking about the mental struggles of the addict. So it should come as no surprise that very little has been discussed regarding the family members.
Family of an addict can experience anything from:
Shame
Anxiousness
Depression
Poor boundary setting with the addict (but only with the best of intentions to help them)
Not taking care of themselves in an effort to spend energy on taking care of the addict
It is common for family to devote as much time, energy, resources, and decisions revolving around those who have the addiction. Because of this, they may experience burnout or fatigue similar to those who are in the caregiver professions.
Addicts and Family Share Similarities
It's hard to imagine that an addict and their family member could have some things in common in relation to the substance use. However, both can experience some of these things:
Physical ailments
Obsessive behaviors
Denial
For the addict, their obsession comes from the urge to use. For the family, their obsession manifests with wanting to help the addict.
Both will experience denial that the substance use problem exists. And both can have physical ailments that affect them - although what this looks like for each person will vary.
Dealing With Addiction As A Family Member
Watching someone you love battle addiction can be excruciating. You want to help them, but have no idea where to start. Maybe you feel equal parts compassion and anger, not understanding the addiction.
Whatever it looks like for you, you might wonder how to begin helping yourself and your loved one. Here are some small steps you can take.
1. Don't Place Blame
Addiction is a disease and you should never place the blame on the individual. It doesn't help anyone to do this. You may not be able to change the past, but you can transform how you approach the addiction in the future.
2. It's Ok To Put Yourself First
You are not selfish for putting yourself first. There is nothing wrong with wanting to help the person you love overcome their addiction. However, you are still a person with your own needs, wants, and life goals. It won't help anyone if you lose sight of this.
3. Encourage Them To Seek Help
Addiction is not easy. It often takes tremendous effort, time, and knowledge to combat this.
At Recovery Collective, we are dedicated to helping individuals and their families overcome addiction issues. Reach out to us to see how we can help you or your loved one.