Drug abuse is becoming increasingly prevalent in society. When thinking of drug abuse, first thoughts often drift to illicit substances such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine; however, prescription drugs can easily be abused as well. Regardless of the choice of drug, addiction has a detrimental affect of families. Whether it is drug abuse by the parent or child, addiction puts a burden and strain of the structure of the family and, there are several ways that drug abuse can affect the family.
Behavior
The behavior of family members can change when they are exposed to drug abuse of a family member. Children and teens may often begin to act out for lack of proper coping skills for dealing with the addiction of their loved ones. On the other end of the spectrum, some children become withdrawn and depressed. Parents or other adult family members may find themselves becoming irritable or forgetful under the strain of their family member's addiction and the added stress that is placed on them.
Financial Strain
Finances often suffer as a result of drug addiction in the family. The abuser is likely to use all available resources to support the habit they have developed, leaving other household obligations neglected. Other family members are then left to handle the responsibility of managing and generating finances to cover general living expenses. In cases of severe addiction, the abuser may lose their employment, or savings due their habit, compromising financial future of the family.
Safety
Safety concerns that arise as a result of a loved ones addiction have potential to be serious. In a situation that involves parental drug use, there is a risk of child abuse or neglect. Since judgment is usually impaired the parent may expose children to environments and situations that may be harmful to the child. This can range from taking the child with them to purchase drugs or allowing them to be in an environment of open drug use. In addition, since violence often accompanies drug use there is also a possibility of physical and verbal lashing out. This could occur with both adult and juvenile drug abusers.
