Addiction can have profound and far-reaching effects on a family unit

Addiction often leads to a breakdown of trust due to deceit and manipulation, which in turn leads to communication issues arising, as the open and honest communication that is essential for healthy family relationships don’t exist and discussions about the problem are avoidedThe family structure and dynamic can be thrown into disarray when a person’s addiction manoeuvres itself into every aspect of their lives including the home.

“The financial impact in particular can be significant due to the expense related to addiction whether it’s in obtaining substances or even seeking treatment,” says Loughnane. “We have seen the steady increase in families presenting with drug-related intimidation, with threats to their lives and homes, often to repay debts, leaving families fearing for their safety and impacting their mental health.

“Parents often start with shock, denial, guilt and blame when faced with a child’s addiction. They might become angry at the situation, worry about their child’s safety and fear for their health and future, and feel a strong urge to fix things. This can lead to enabling behaviours and codependency,” says Loughnane.

“The mental and physical health of families suffer, with increased stress and potential for anxiety and depression. Children, who are particularly vulnerable, experience disruptions, lack of stability and sometimes even danger, leading to lasting emotional consequences. Addiction can even extend to future generations, as patterns of behaviour and coping mechanisms can be passed down.”

“Understanding the nature of addiction can help approach the situation with empathy and knowledge and help develop “Establishing clear and healthy boundaries to protect yourself and your family is essential when living with addiction,” says Loughnane. “These boundaries might involve not enabling addictive behaviour, avoiding codependent dynamics, and developing self-care actions.

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