Alcohol and drug addiction can have a devastating effect on the entire family. It is important to understand how substance abuse treatment works, what family interventions can look like, and how to help children from families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. When addiction takes over, it can cause a downward spiral of psychological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, mania, and impulsive behavior. This can lead to job loss, strained relationships, and a disconnection from one's spiritual values.
The first step to “surviving” when you love an addicted person is to accept the reality of the situation. Fortunately, researchers have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives. Addiction tends to run in families and is linked to certain types of genes. Detoxification alone is not enough to stop using drugs or alcohol; it is important to understand the power of addiction and how it hijacks the brain's reward system. Adolescents are especially vulnerable to addiction because their brains are not yet fully developed. Prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective in preventing or reducing drug use and addiction.
It is also important to recognize when you are being manipulated by an addict and learn how to set boundaries. Accepting what you're dealing with in your life is the first survival tip for loving an addicted person. Researchers have discovered that current treatments can help people manage their addictions. It is possible to break free from the cycle of addiction with the right support.
