It doesn’t take long to realize that the impact of addiction is not contained to a single person; instead it spreads out like a web, affecting those around them. Many people struggling with addiction believe that they’re not hurting anyone but themselves, when in reality, they are hurting many other people both directly and indirectly. The impact of addiction is far-reaching whether they want to admit it or not. Talk to anyone who has a loved one struggling with addiction and they can affirm that they too have been affected.
Disrupting Families
Every member of the family, young and old alike, has the potential to be affected by a loved one with addiction. Addiction does not discriminate and can occur at any point in a person’s life.
- Spouses: It can be difficult to see your husband or wife dealing with addiction. They may turn into someone you hardly recognize anymore. You know that deep down they are the same person you fell in love with, but their actions, behaviors, and words may reflect differently. As a spouse, you may worry about their ability to care for children, remember appointments, take care of responsibilities, ensure bills are paid on time, and more. As a result, you may take on more responsibility and start making excuses for their behavior.
- Parents: As a parent, you want to see your child succeed. You may feel as though you are to blame for their addiction because you didn’t do enough to prevent it. You see the toll it is taking on their life and recognize the consequences that may occur. It can be challenging to step in and share your concern so that they get the help they need, especially if it is an adult child.
- Children: As much as parents try to protect their children, children are often more aware than we may realize. Children with parents who have a substance use disorder can be impacted in many different ways. They may experiment with drugs or alcohol themselves because this is what they experience at home. They may become embarrassed or shameful of the way their parent acts in public while they are under the influence. Children may also suffer from neglect or abuse which can have a lasting impact.
Other family members may be affected as well. Addiction can change the dynamics of the family and the roles that various members play. Trust is often a major issue and something that takes time to rebuild. There are no quick fixes. Family therapy can help families to work through problems and the affects of addiction together. Each person is given the opportunity to express themselves and learn strategies for helping everyone to recover and heal.
Damaging Friendships
Friends also recognize the changes that take place when someone is battling addiction. They may not like spending time with the person when they are under the influence. The person’s poor decision making can get everyone in trouble and their actions and behavior may ruin an otherwise fun night. It can be frustrating to try to make plans when the person with a substance use disorder forgets about them or skips out. Due to the financial ramifications of their addiction, they may always be asking to borrow money or not be able to pay their way. This can put a strain on friendships.
Impacting the Workplace
Having a coworker fighting an addiction can have a negative impact on the workplace. Others may feel compelled – or obligated – to pick up the extra slack. The person may come to work late, have frequent absences, or miss meetings and deadlines. Their work may begin to deteriorate and this can take a toll on the entire team. Coworkers may not know how to bring up the topic of addiction. Employers face lost productivity, increased expenses, risks to client satisfaction, and other risks when employees are not performing at their best. Fortunately many companies offer programs that support employees in seeking addiction treatment. Employees should make the most of this opportunity to overcome their addiction and keep their career – and future – on track.
Affecting Communities
Addiction also has a broader impact on a community as a whole. People who are driving under the influence put both lives and property at risk. They are at a greater risk of causing accidents which may or may not take someone’s life. Through a lapse of judgment or poor decision making, they may cause property damage or engage in criminal activity or mischief. This takes resources away from other issues and puts strain on law enforcement and medical facilities. Increased drug activity can also have a negative impact on communities as a whole.
These are just a few of the ways in which addiction affects more than just the person misusing drugs or alcohol. Addiction has a ripple effect and one thing affects the next. It is essential that people have access to drug and alcohol rehab facilities and the encouragement and support to get the help they need. Together families, friends, employers, and communities can join together to advocate for treatment and support these efforts. There is hope and many people go on to become productive members of society and turn their lives around. They are able to maintain their recovery and implement positive changes in their lives.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, contact Chapters Capistrano today at 949-276-2886. We can help provide the support and resources necessary to start a new chapter in your life and overcome addiction. From detox through relapse prevention planning, we work with clients along each step of the way.
