Addiction to alcohol or drugs is a disease, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Addiction affects everyone in the family, not just the substance abuser. Effects may vary depending on family structure, manifesting differently in individual family members. One child may become the family hero while another is expelled from school. A grandparent may assume financial responsibility for young children just as she was hoping to retire. One person's alcoholism or substance addiction can have generational implications throughout a family.
Psychological
The psychological impact of having a family member with a substance abuse problem may be presented in different ways. Denial, anger, shame, anxiety, hopelessness, self-neglect, shame and isolation are a few of the psychological consequences noted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A sense of security and positive outlook are difficult to establish for family members coping with the unpredictable behavior of an alcoholic or substance abuser.
Educational
Children from homes where there is substance abuse are at an increased risk of learning disabilities, poor school attendance, delinquency and teen pregnancy, according to the Center on Addiction and the Family. They are also more likely to be expelled, be institutionalized or drop out of school.
Economical
Substance abuse can result in the abuser being either unemployed or under-employed. Lack of income results in an overall decrease in the family's standard of living and can lead to difficulty meeting basic needs. In addition, money that is needed to care for the needs of the family maybe used to obtain drugs or alcohol. Other members of the family may need to assume provider roles to keep the family afloat financially.
Social
Social effects differ with individual characteristics. Some family members isolate themselves, ashamed to go out in public with the family member who is a substance abuser. Shame and fear may also prevent them from having friends over. Another family member might respond by being more outgoing, escaping from the situation by spending more time with friends or by overachieving at work or in school.
Developmental
Trust and security promote healthy development. Homes with a substance abuser experience more conflict. Physical and sexual abuse are also more common when there is a parent who abuses substances, according to the Center on Addiction and the Family. Role reversal--a child taking on parental duties--is also more likely. These factors, along with others, negatively impact a child's normal development, making children more prone to suicide, anxiety, eating disorders and depression.
References
- Center on Addiction and the Family: Effects of Parental Substance Abuse on Children and Families
- National Center for Biotechnological Information: SAMHSA: TIP 39: Chapter 2 Impact of Substance Abuse on Families
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Parental Substance Abuse at Family Guide
