Addiction doesn’t just affect the physical body and mental health—it impacts virtually every aspect of a person’s life be it their job, career, or relationships with friends and family. As a result, the person may feel increasingly disconnected from society and become more isolated. Addiction and relationships are thus related in several ways, and in some instances may lead to codependency and enabling behavior.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, reach out to Serenity Grove’s personalized family therapy program and addiction treatment.
Several people become estranged from their loved ones as they succumb to addiction. Or they may come from a family with a history of drug use. To find out more about our family counseling services and how addiction and relationships are related, call us at 844.904.3485.
How Addiction and Relationships Interact
Relationships are built on mutual trust, respect, and open communication. Thus, addiction harms relationships as the bonds of trust and love are often broken, only to be replaced by fear and distrust. Addiction and relationships are thus interlinked in the following ways:
Isolation
Those struggling with addiction often lie to their family members about their drug use, hide their “stash” or steal money to buy more of the substance. This frequently leads to distrust, and the person may isolate themselves further. They may start avoiding their family altogether and become very solitary. Thus, at a time when they need help the most, they may find themselves absolutely alone.
Codependency
In some cases, addiction may lead to toxic, codependent relationships. The affected individual may rely on the other party to fulfill their emotional needs and improve their self-esteem. Without understanding the severity of addiction, the other party may even buy drugs or medication, thinking it may help ease the withdrawal.
History of Substance Use
Children who grow up watching their parents drink may later develop alcoholism. Often, if one person in a relationship drinks or does drugs as a negative coping mechanism or even recreationally, the other person may soon follow suit.
Enabling Behavior
Loved ones may often try to cover up the person’s addiction by engaging in enabling behavior. They may make excuses for the addiction, deny the severity of the problem, or encourage them to self-medicate. By trying to protect the person from the legal or other consequences of their addiction, they may end up making the issue worse.
Estranged Relations
Being faced with the reality of addiction can also lead the emotional distance and estrangement. A person may break up with their partner for their refusal to quit drugs without realizing how addiction can affect one’s willpower. The other party may feel abandoned as a result and may blame themselves and engage in more self-destructive behavior.
Miscommunication and Family Counseling
With so many misconceptions about addiction and mental illness, the person may have trouble communicating their needs to their near and dear ones. The friends and family may need counseling themselves and learn how to play an active role in the healing journey.
Thus addiction can lead to miscommunication issues and feelings of hurt and distrust on both sides, which can only be solved by seeking professional treatment for addiction, addressing codependency, and enrolling in family counseling.
Get Help and Family Counseling at Serenity Grove
At Serenity Grove, we empower our clients to recover from addiction and rebuild their relationships.
With the help of family counseling, we help them repair relationships with loved ones. Additionally, we train friends and family to provide better emotional support. As a family-owned residential clinic, we offer a safe and serene atmosphere for clients to address their issues. No matter what happens, you can count on Serenity Grove to always have your back. With our lifelong continuing care program, clients can enjoy ongoing support even after their treatment is officially over.
It is never too late to ask for help and build a bridge to a happier life. Call us at 844.904.3485 today.
