Drug abuse affects all members of the family. The addict is affected through self-destructive behavior. The rest of the family suffers through the destruction that involves them and affects their lives. Drug abuse can tear families apart. The only way to resolve it is to seek help and support for the family and the addict.
Effects on Children
Family life can become chaotic and abusive when a parent or both parents are using drugs. Children have difficulty understanding parental behavior, which can be kind and loving one moment before turning confusing or violent the next. Parental behavior is unpredictable so there is a limited social life, according to The Phoenix House Center on Addiction and the Family. A young person is afraid to bring friends home, not knowing what will be behind the door. There may be fear and insecurity, but also concern and love for the parent. Anger builds up in the child because the parent is unreliable. But children may blame themselves for their parents' problems, thinking they may be the reason for the substance abuse. They still worry about losing their parents because of arrest or death. They may need to rely on outside assistance, such as a school counselor, child agency professional or relative for support. If one of the parents is not on drugs, that parent must take those steps to help the child have as normal a childhood as possible.
Teen Drug Abuse
A parent must become aware of some of the signals a child may be showing if on drugs, the National Youth Network says. Sudden personality changes or poor schoolwork, unusual temper tantrums, withdrawal from family activities and deterioration in appearance are a few signs. It's difficult for a parent to accept the belief that a child is on drugs. It can cause overwhelming feelings of guilt, along with constant worry about the child. Parents who communicate well with their children often help them stay away from drugs. But communication is even more important when a teen is doing drugs. Forgiveness, compassion and openness are important in getting help for the child from a professional or support group. When a family is broken apart by drugs, it can become stronger by helping a troubled teen through the crisis.
A Spouse on Drugs
A parent who sticks with a spouse on drugs can become codependent, often protecting the spouse despite the anger and rage because of the drug addiction. The sober parent has to manage the difficulties of an addicted spouse, as well as taking extra care in managing the family. The children need more support from one parent when the other parent has become self-destructive and abusive. In many cases, a breakup is inevitable and the sober parent must let go of the spouse to save the children. In other cases, the sober parent can confront the spouse with the reality that the family is falling apart and that professional help and support are necessary to avoid a catastrophe.
