Drug abuse generally develops over time as a person's drug use increases. According to HelpGuide.org, the symptoms of drug abuse include using drugs despite the negative effect is it having on your responsibilities, engaging in high-risk behaviors while under the influence of drugs, experiencing legal trouble due to drug use and continuing to use even though it is negatively impacting relationships. These types of behaviors can leave lasting effects on the drug abuser and her family.
Mental Health
Dealing with a family member who is abusing drugs can take a toll on the mental health and well-being of everyone involved. Possible mental health disorders that a family member may develop include depression, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, eating disorders and substance abuse problems.
Financial Difficulty
Drugs can be expensive, and drug abuse can make someone likely to spend his earnings and the earnings of his family members on drugs. According to the MayoClinic.com, a person who abuses drugs will spend money to support his habit even if that money was necessary to pay for other things. When he runs out of money, he may begin stealing money from family members. The irresponsibility with money can leave a family without the finances to provide for their basic needs. Family members may be unable to pay for a place to live or food to eat. Family members may have to begin hiding money from the drug abuser.
Community Violence
Drug abuse by one family member can put other members of the family at risk of becoming victims of violence. When a person abuses drugs she generally has to engage in relationships with other types of people who tend to forgo the law and take justice into their own hands. If the drug abuser does not pay for her drugs on time or steals from the drug dealer, he may retaliate with violence against the drug abuser and even her family.
Abuse
Drug abuse can increase the risk of family members becoming victims of physical and emotional abuse. A person may become more irritable and easily angered while he is high on drugs. Also, if a drug abuser is unable to acquire drugs when he wants them, it may be hard for him to manage his anger. These things may increase his risk of becoming physically violent or aggressive towards family members.
In addition, aggression is more likely when a person abuses specific types of drugs, such as steroids. According to TeensHealth.org, people who abuse steroids may become combative and aggressive as they battle uncontrollable episodes of anger.
