How Alcohol and Drug Abuse Affect Family Relationships

When we think about substance use disorder (SUD) and its negative impact, it is all too common to focus solely on the person suffering from the disorder, but the struggle often extends to friends, family, and other close, interpersonal relationships.

The importance of care and support for loved ones, can not be understated. Family and friends are crucial to virtually every step of a successful recovery plan and come together to create the backbone and core support system that is needed to achieve long lasting sobriety.

In today’s article, we will be taking a close look at how substance use disorder affects and negatively impacts the relationship between the individual suffering and their family and friends, as well as exploring several ways family members and loved ones can successfully cope.

Effects of Alcohol on the Brain

Habitual overuse of alcohol and other harmful substances has been repeatedly shown to have negative impacts on core brain processes and functions. Chronic consumption of these substances leads to a reduced number of white and gray brain matter, creating problems with the following daily tasks, among countless others:

• Increased impulsivity
• Reduced processing speed
• Attention span
• Problem-solving
• Long and short term memory

Additionally, as time passes, it is not uncommon for family members and other loved ones to begin to develop apathy toward the disorder and related issues. In some cases, this has even been shown to develop into open frustration and contempt due to the ongoing challenges and strain placed on relationships.

The Impact of Drug Abuse and Relationships With Friends, Family, and Other Loved Ones

Substance use disorder is a global health epidemic that impacts not only the person suffering from the disorder but everyone around them as well. Friends, family, and other loved ones must navigate difficult financial issues, legal troubles, and countless other negative outcomes directly related to SUD.

Financial and Legal Issues

Substance use disorder significantly impacts an individual’s impulsivity and self control, which often leads to long lasting financial and legal issues due to the choices that they make while under the influence of harmful substances or seeking them.

Child Maltreatment and Abuse

Abuse and neglect of children under 18 years old, including sexual, emotional, physical, and any other type of exploitation, is commonly referred to as child maltreatment. These types of abuse have been shown, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), as being more prevalently found in households containing substance use disorder.

A Recurring Cycle

Family history of alcoholism and childhood trauma have both been shown to be linked to an increased likelihood of the development of substance use disorder, according to a recent study published in Scientific Reports. In the sample population, it was found that more than a third of those with a family history showed signs of problematic drinking themselves. 

Alcohol Use and Families: How to Cope

According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 8.7 million children aged 17 or younger live with at least one parent who is suffering from substance use disorder.

As such, understanding how to cope with a loved one’s struggle with the disorder has never been more important. Navigating this painful disease full of difficult, seemingly unrelenting challenges can feel impossible without the proper guidance, knowledge, and support.

Learn About Alcohol Use Disorders

One of the best starting points when trying to deal and cope with your loved one’s substance use disorder is to do your best to educate yourself about what it is that they are suffering from.

While it is important to always acknowledge and understand that no two cases of substance use disorder (or any alcohol use disorder) are the same, there are a few commonalities and shared experiences that can help you get a better understanding of what they are going through to try and grow your empathy toward their situation.

Set Boundaries

When coping with a loved one suffering from substance use disorder you may find yourself in a position where they are not at the point in their journey where they are ready to begin working toward lasting sobriety.

If this is the case, it is important to set firm, non-negotiable boundaries surrounding your relationship. Setting the specifics of these boundaries will vary depending on what you feel comfortable with.

Always Remember to Take Care of Yourself

No matter what your loved one or family member is going through, or how badly you want to be there and support them, it is crucial that you always keep your own feelings at the forefront of your mind.

In order to be a helpful and supportive part of your loved one’s journey toward recovery and long-term sober living, you have to be the best version of yourself possible. You have to take a step back sometimes and focus on your own mental health in order to put yourself in the position to help others.

SoberMind Recovery Can Help You and Your Loved Ones Today

SoberMind Recovery is a Los Angeles recovery center that offers a wide range of specialized treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation programs, ranging from LGBTQ sober living to dual diagnosis treatment.

They also provide individual, group, and cognitive behavioral therapy options for those suffering, as well as countless resources for friends, family, and other loved ones trying to navigate the impact of drug abuse and families going through the recovery process together.

Our core, unyielding mission at SoberMind Recovery is to provide individualized, research-backed care in a compassionate and high-quality environment while making a difference in the world of addiction. We help people achieve long-lasting recovery and lead well-balanced lives.

Residents of the Los Angeles area are encouraged to call today 100% free of charge at 818-835-9268 or 819-398-8047 to see if our compassionate, evidence-based treatment options are a good fit for you and your recovery needs.