The effects of substance or drug abuse on a family are multi-faceted, and effects may vary from family to family based on a myriad of factors. Despite this, families affected by drug abuse share one thing in common---they live in homes where behaviors and communication are both unpredictable and unclear. This commonality has ripple effects that usually impact family members on an emotional, financial, and even medical or health-related level.
Emotional Effect
According to the website for Phoenix House's Center on Addiction and the Family (COAF), substance abuse by a parent can greatly compromise the emotional development of any children in the house. This is because parents who abuse drugs and alcohol are more likely to be involved with domestic violence, divorce, unemployment, mental illness and legal problems, which in turn can greatly limit their ability to parent effectively. The statistics back this notion up, according to COAF, and states that children of parents who abuse substances have a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, eating disorders and suicide attempts than their peers, and are three to four times more likely to eventually engage in substance abuse themselves.
Parents addicted to drugs are more likely to engage in physical violence in the home and to emotionally neglect their children, according to Family.jrank.org's article titled "Substance Abuse ---Effects of Substance Abuse on Family." These behaviors can lead to children exhibiting behavioral problems.
Financial Effect
Substance abuse by family members can take a great financial toll on the family. A family.jrank.com article explains that addicted caregivers often spend money otherwise allocated for rent, food and clothing on drugs. This financial stress if further complicated by the fact that drug abusing caregivers are less likely to be able to hold down a job, which can lead to the loss of family possessions, like cars and homes, and cause financial bankruptcy.
Biological Effect
It is not uncommon for the health of family members to be affected as a result of drug abuse in the home. COAF.org points to stress-related health problems including gastrointestinal problems, headaches, migraines and asthma. Other health-related concerns become apparent when a child who suffers neglect becomes injured or ill, or doesn't receive proper medical care. Violence in the home, discussed in Section 1 as a common reality in drug-addicted households, can also lead to physical abuse which further exacerbates family member health.
