Alcohol and drug abuse affect not only the addict but also those closest to them. It can be difficult to watch a friend or family member go through addiction, but it is important to remember that addiction is a disease. And there are things you can do to help. In this article, we’ll explore how addiction affects friends and family and what you can do to support your loved one through their recovery journey.

How Addiction Affects Family and Friends?

Addiction can take a toll on even the strongest of relationships. The constant stress of worrying about your loved one, dealing with their mood swings, and watching them spiral out of control can be exhausting. It’s not uncommon for friends and family members to feel like they are walking on eggshells around the addict, never knowing what might set them off.

There are a lot of ways that addiction can affect friends and family members. Here are some common examples:

1. Financial Burden

Addiction can be expensive. Between the cost of drugs or alcohol, doctor’s bills, and legal fees, it can quickly become too much for one person to handle. This can put a strain on relationships, as friends and family members may feel like they are constantly being asked to bail the addict out financially. Plus, if the addict is stealing to support their habit, it can damage trust within the relationship. The financial burden of addiction can also lead to arguments and even estrangement among family members.

2. Emotional Distress

It can be very emotionally draining to watch a loved one go through an addiction. You may feel helpless, frustrated, and even angry. It’s important to remember that these are normal reactions, and it’s okay to feel this way. However, you should try to find healthy ways to cope with these emotions, such as talking to a therapist or joining a support group. If you bottle up your feelings, it could lead to resentment and further damage your relationship with the addict. You may even check out the consequences of substance use disorder and how to avoid them so that you will be more informed on what to do and what to expect.

3. Codependency

When you have a loved one with addiction, it’s easy to start enabling their behavior. This can happen in a lot of different ways, such as giving them money to support their habit, making excuses for their bad behavior, or even covering up for them. While you may be doing this out of love, it’s important to realize that you are not helping the addict by enabling them. In fact, you may be making their addiction worse. If you think you may be enabling the addict, it’s important to seek professional help from private drug treatment centers in Fort Lauderdale, as they can assist your loved one in getting the help they need.

To Sum It Up

Addiction can have a profound effect on friends and family members. It can be difficult to watch your loved one go through addiction, but it’s also important to take care of yourself. So, try to find healthy ways to cope with your emotions and get professional help if you need it.