By Dammy Ajas
Dec 21, 2020
Many of the discussions around drug addiction oftentimes focus on the physical and psychological effects of substance use. But the effects of drug addiction go far beyond that. It can unapologetically take control and destroy everything in someone’s life, including relationships.
This is not limited to only romantic relationships but also affects relationships with friends and loved ones. There is a reason addiction is called a family disease.
If someone you love or a member of your family falls into addiction, the dynamics changes completely. When addiction comes into the equation, it seems as if they are not the same person you used to know– as though they have been replaced. This can make relationships turn sour for such a person as people feel hurt, angry, and betrayed around them.
In this article, we will be highlighting different ways by which drug addiction can be devastating to
relationships. Of course, we will also be showing you ways you can help your loved ones get out of addiction fast.
Devastating Effects of Addiction on Relationships
#1: Secrecy
One of the most common things people experience with their loved one who is drug-addicted is a high level of secrecy. This shows in every area of their lives. When people already become addicted to drugs, they begin to notice how much their life is spiraling out of control. At that point, they start having a strong feeling of shame, guilt, and fear of judgment. This leads them to being secretive about their activities and the overall state of being.
They begin to lie about things like where they are, people they hang out with, why stuff in the house are missing, where money is being spent, and many other things about their strange behaviors. Most times, this secretive life increases to the point of complete distancing or isolation. Of course, that will have a toll on any relationship.
#2: Loss of trust
As lies and deception increase in the relationship because of the secret life of the addict, it is only a matter of time until their partner or loved ones begin to notice and develop trust issues with them. It suddenly becomes very difficult for the addict to keep to his promises. Their loved ones begin to perceive some levels of disrespect, lack of loyalty, and honesty in the relationship.
Trust is very important for any relationship to thrive. It brings a sense of safety and care. But where there are trust issues, some relationship-damaging issues like anger, jealousy, resentment, and fear begins to surface.
#3: Anger and physical abuse
Apart from making the addict behave quite irrationally, substance abuse can also put everyone around them on the edge. A simple disagreement can lead to a big fight as everybody feels misunderstood. It can cause loved ones to be abuse emotionally, leading them to misbehave against the substance user.
It can burnout parent-children relationship, hence encouraging the children to also turn to drinking or drug use as their parents. This will not only destroy a healthy relationship in such a family but can also make addiction become a deadly cycle in such a home.
#4: Several financial problems
The truth is that drug and alcohol abuse costs money. As the addict continues to chase after the high he gets from the substance use, it gradually starts burning through his finances. Unemployment problems can begin to set in, including missed work, decreased productivity, and job loss.
Addiction can force you into a situation where you become a burden to your family. It will even be worse if you are the breadwinner of the family. It suddenly becomes difficult to provide for the basic needs of your family not to mention sending your children to school.
It can make you super dependent on other members of the family and only concerned about your next high or hit. And eventually, the family members too will cut you off.
#5: Turns partners and loved ones into an enabler
This is another way drug addiction can impact the user and a loved one. In the bid to help the addict, a loved one may unknowingly transition into an enabler. That is the kind of person that tries to cover up for the user.
This could mean taking on his responsibilities, working hard to minimize the negative consequences of the drug on the user, making excuses for him, or accepting blames for him.
A typical example of that is what happens in a family where the husband is a drug addict. In the middle of the addiction, the substance user is likely going to abandon all responsibilities to their partner. Therefore, making the partner become an enabler – covering up for them and providing in their place.
Making decisions, taking care of bills, cleaning up, and raising the kids is quickly going to become a problem for the other partner. This can lead to some stress-induced conditions like anxiety and high blood pressure.
#6: It breeds codependency
This is similar and shares some common traits with enabling. A codependent person will try to cover up for the addict instead of letting him face the natural consequences of his actions. This is often because the reputation of the codependent individual is also on the line or sees there is a need to take care of him at that time.
Most times, someone who is codependent may become frustrated by the needs and actions of the substance user but still feel a compulsive need to take care of the person. It often have a toll on the relationship the addict shares with such a person.
#7: Sexuality and intimacy issues
Another relationship concern involving addiction is sexual intimacy. Apart from the isolation addiction causes in relationships, it can also make it difficult to experience intimacy in a relationship. People who battle with addiction often experience real trouble enjoying a healthy intimate relationship. They concentrate more on getting their substance instead of getting intimate with their partner.
Also, drug use can have certain physical effects on the body. Certain drugs can result in issues like erectile dysfunction. A recent study from the University of Granada confirms that drug abuse could have some bad effects on sexual performances.
However, drugs like cocaine, though could temporarily increase sex drive, can also increase the risk of engaging in dangerous sexual behaviors. Studies have also found that once the drug wears off, it can also result in erectile dysfunction.
Is There Any Hope?
Withdrawal from drug abuse can be difficult. It usually has powerful effects on the body, and could sometimes lead to health problems like anxiety, depression, breathing, and heart problems. But does that mean there is no hope of getting your life or helping your loved one get his or her life back? Of course, there is hope.
Drug detox programs can help ease the effect of withdrawal on your body. Programs like Suboxone from PainStop can help you recover from drug addiction without having to suffer the drastic effects of withdrawal.
The clinic understands that drug addiction is both physical and emotional, and so they have included emotional support in their plan in form of counseling. Using both the medication and counseling will help you have a complete recovery without any side effects.
Get in touch with them today to start your journey back into your normal life where you can once again enjoy quality and healthy relationships. Do you have a loved one battling drug addiction? This is a chance to help him or her regain control of their life and relationships.