Families struggling with opiate addiction are facing an uphill battle. Many are unaware of the destructive and widespread nature of the problem, as well as the toll it takes on the people they love. Opiate addiction can cause immense physical, mental, and emotional suffering, along with financial and social effects for families. While the physical and psychological consequences can last for years following addiction treatment, understanding how opiate addiction effects families could help the healing process for all involved.
Opiate addiction can cause a lot of damage to relationships within a family. On the most basic level, the addict may use the drug to escape the punishing and difficult realities of their home life and instead turn to the drug as a form of solace. This can easily create tension and mistrust amongst family members, as well as destroy any trust that might have existed before the addiction. Many addicts become skilled in manipulating their family to get more money or access to drugs, and eventually, drug abuse takes over family relationships, leaving not only the addict in need of help, but the entire family too.
On an emotional level, families of addicts are often overwhelmed with guilt, resentment, anger, and despair. This can lead to family members holding back their emotions to reduce further upset, or even not expressing any emotions at all. These behaviors can help to fuel the addictive cycle, as it prevents honest conversations that could lead to help-seeking behavior. In addition, when family’s are dealing with the ups and downs of a loved one’s opiate addiction, its natural that they can find it difficult to make progress in their own lives. The shortages of money brought on by the addict’s drug use, they problems with their employment or the embarrassment of their relational difficulties can all take an extensive toll on family members.
The economic strain of opiate addiction can be a huge burden on families. Between purchasing opiates or the treatment of medical problems caused by severe addiction, the costs associated with addiction can quickly mount. Often, families have no money left for necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing. Not only are families’ financial resources drained, relationships with the addicted family member become strained in an effort to obtain money.
Ultimately, the effects of opiate addiction on a family can add more stress and pain to an already emotionally-draining situation. It’s crucial for families to develop a support system to assist them in understanding the complexities of addiction and how to help their loved one receive proper treatment. Additionally, family members should consider obtaining their own counseling to address issues that have arisen as a result of their loved one’s addiction. With the right resources, understanding, and support, families can turn the gloomy outlook of an opiate addiction around and get their loved one back on the right path towards recovery.