When someone is suffering from addiction, it’s common to think about how their condition affects their wellbeing. However, the addiction’s toll on families must also be discussed. During an alcohol addiction treatment program, the whole family must be involved. This is referred to as family therapy, and it is one of the most effective intervention steps in recovery. If you are curious to know more about addiction’s toll on families, keep on reading.

Why You Should Know About Addiction’s Toll on Families

Whether you’re in Georgia or anywhere else in the world, addiction does not only affect you but also your family. It can destroy important relationships that are integral in living a healthy and well-balanced life.

While addiction also affects friends, its effect on families is more complicated. In some cases, people who are not serious about their recovery will not do as they say, even if they attend a residential addiction treatment program or family therapy. When this happens, the family members suffer the consequences of their actions. This ordeal often results in strained relationships.

How Addiction Affects Families

Addiction destroys all kinds of relationships because it drives a person to put themselves and their pleasures first. In a lot of ways, addicts can resemble a zombie by how they predominantly follow their impulses. As a result, family members may become frustrated when they see a person they love on a downward spiral.

Addiction affects families in many ways, including:

Negativity

If a person does not seek addiction treatment therapies, their condition can damage relationships because the disease is inherently negative. The communication between family members may become destructive and stressful, and resentment can build up. This can cause family members to lash out at each other. The new normal of the family may feature criticism, complaints, and fighting. Therefore, people can experience emotions that include:

  • Stress
  • Sadness
  • Hopelessness
  • Apathy
  • Anger
  • Shame

Nobody wants to be addicted to drugs or alcohol. There may be a lot of denial involved in the early stages because of the stigma and the baggage associated with addiction. When someone in the family becomes addicted, family members often feel shame because they don’t want someone they love to become an addict. In some cases, they might even become enablers. This is why family therapy is an essential step in the recovery process.

Stealing and Lack of Trust

Obviously, alcohol and drugs cost money, and it is common for addicts to burn through their life savings to feed their addiction. Because addicts are controlled by their impulses, they may lie or steal to get their next high.

They may also try to lie or steal to keep the image that everything is okay, even if they know they have become self-destructive. This behavior results in resentment and mistrust from family members and people who are closest to them. In some cases, family or friends may cut off the person dealing with addiction.

Not Facing the Truth

One of the most dangerous results of addiction in families is that they develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. This includes denying the condition and existence of someone suffering from addiction. This allows them to hide from the responsibilities of what is happening to their loved ones. Not facing the truth is common with families that have a history of abuse.

You Can Get Help Understanding Addiction’s Toll on Families at Atlanta Detox Center

Whether someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they must undergo rehabilitation. Dealing with addiction’s toll on families is challenging, but this process will keep addicts away from triggers and teach them healthy coping mechanisms. If you are in Georgia and are ready to seek addiction treatment, get in touch with us at Atlanta Detox Center. Our professional staff and facilities will help provide the care you deserve. Contact Atlanta Detox Center today by calling 470-450-2355 or completing our convenient online form to learn more about addiction treatment.

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