Addiction affects the person with or recovering from a substance use disorder and the people in their lives. Family and friends want what is best for their loved ones, and it hurts them to see someone they care about struggle with addiction. It’s not always easy to figure out the best course of action when trying to get help for someone you know who needs it, and that can cause a strain on your relationship.
Relationships and addiction are tricky; however, there are ways to help mend relationships that have faced hardships. Going to relationship repair counseling is one way for families to solve issues they can’t work out on their own. You can contact us at 703.935.8544 to learn more about this.
Relationships and Addiction
It can be both scary and sad to watch the relationship you built with somebody completely change because of addiction. Often because both the person living with addiction and their loved ones struggle in different ways, neither one knows how to help the other. There may be more fights and less communication than usual.
The effects of drug addiction on families vary depending on the situation, but it is never easy whether you have experience with addiction or it’s completely new. Knowing the signs of a family or relationship struggling because of a substance use disorder can help determine if you and a loved one need help. Effects that it may have on families is:
- Overprotectiveness of the person with addiction – becoming increasingly codependent to keep a close watch on the person with a substance use disorder
- Violence – someone with a drug addiction may have violent urges and outburst
- Struggling financially – money that should go to bills may go to drugs
All of these can lead to a family becoming more stressed and less able to live harmoniously as they might have previously been able to do.
Fixing Relationships Affected by Addiction
The effects of addiction on families can seem irreversible. You may even feel helpless that you can’t seem to resolve your issues. There are ways to help get your family the help they need to get back to a happy and healthy status. Working together at home is important; however, seeking professional help is also something to consider when dealing with relationships and addiction.
One easy thing every couple or family should take is to work on communication. Letting each other know how you are feeling, whether scared, hurt, or angry, is an important first step to letting each other know that you care about the other person. You may even consider after talking to go to therapy.
Relationship repair therapy helps couples overcome any obstacles causing problems in their relationship, whether with a romantic partner or family member. Couples and families will be able to figure out the source of what is causing the issues in their relationship. By working with a professional, you will be able to learn more about how you can help yourself and work on your relationships together.
Getting Help at Insight Into Action Therapy
At Insight Into Action Therapy, we understand that relationships and addiction cannot be easily worked on alone. We are here to help those struggling with addiction and their families. With our wide variety of therapy and treatment programs, such as relapse prevention therapy, family therapy, and psychotherapy, there is something to help everyone. Whether you are battling addiction or know a loved one, Insight Into Action Therapy is here to assist. For more information, contact us at 703.935.8544.
