Alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription drugs, inhalants and over-the-counter medications are among the variety of substances that are often abused. The signs of substance abuse include neglect of responsibilities, use of the substance in risky situations, trouble with the law and relationship problems, according to the informational website Help Gude. Substance abuse within a family can negatively affect all those involved, especially the children.
Divorce
Maintaining a relationship with someone who abuses drugs or alcohol can be an extreme challenge. The partner of a substance abuser may want to hide the problem or deny that there is one. But this will only perpetuate the problem. When someone is abusing a substance he will neglect his responsibilities and care more about the substance than his family. The relationship will suffer, and the sober partner may leave for her own safety and her children's.
Abuse
Abuse of a substance can lead to abuse within the family. Substance abuse lowers inhibitions, and the lack of self control can lead to verbal outbursts, as well as physical and sexual violence. The children of substance abusers are frequently neglected by both parents, as the abuser is using and his spouse is too distracted to tend the children's needs. Children are often left to care for themselves.
Financial Problems
Someone who spends his money on drugs or alcohol can easily put his family in debt. Not only could he be using that money to make a house payment or buy groceries, his lack of discipline could lead to unnecessary spending on things the family does not need. This lack of financial responsibility can lead to legal problems and loss of property.
Death
Substance abuse can contribute to the untimely death of a family member. The Mayo Clinic reports that abusing some types of drugs can be very risky, especially when combined with other drugs or alcohol. In addition, substance abuse often leads to fatal accidents.
Suicial Behavior
Substance abuse can result in suicide. The Kids Health website reports that alcohol, along with some drugs, have depressive effects on the brain, which means that the risk of suicide increases. The suicide can cause long-lasting pain for surviving family members, who feel they didn't do enough to intervene.
