It’s not easy to watch a loved one struggle with alcohol or drugs. Looking from the outside at the negative impact substance abuse has and being unable to stop it can feel very helpless. While the abuser is ultimately the one that has to be willing to make the changes that support a sober lifestyle, there are things you can do to help educate your loved one about the effects of their use and what resources are available to them and you.
MyRecovery has several articles about substance abuse. This is a great place to start educating yourself and find information to share. If you’re not sure where to start reach out to a professional or a support group. Professionals can help you better understand addiction and treatment options. Using support groups can be highly beneficial as it provides a place to communicate with people who have been in your situation and know what you are going through. Furthermore, they may be at different phase of the recovery process with their loved one and provide you with information about what they have experienced but remember each experience is unique and you may or may not have a similar one.
Effects of Substance Abuse
In addition to the health risks associated with substance abuse, alcohol and drugs can also result in:
- family conflict
- loss of friendships
- employment issues
- financial hardship
- legal problems
The stress of living with or caring for someone abusing drugs or alcohol can create problems for you too, such as:
- trust issues
- embarrassment
- insomnia
- depression
- guilt
- anxiety
The impact of substance abuse on the abuser and those around them can be dramatic. Many of the effects listed above happen together and one can be exacerbated by another. For example your loved one is the sole financial provider and due to their substance abuse has called into work so many times they have now been fired. With extra time they are now spending more money and time on their addiction. This situation has employment issues, financial hardship, and family conflict and that’s just the beginning. Furthermore, feelings change and one minute you may feel disappointed and angry while the next you are in love and wanting to help them get better. The emotional cycle can be a rollercoaster for you and the one abusing substances. For them their use is further going to exacerbate their moods, changing from one to another without warning. Even just one of these signs can indicate the need for help.