YOU TOO DESERVE HELP AND UNDERSTANDING

COPING WITH A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH ADDICTION CAN BE OVERWHELMING

Whether a loved one is in active addiction or already in recovery or seeking treatment, We are here to offer help and support. Family members, partners, and friends are deeply affected when a loved one becomes addicted and often by the time they get help a heavy toll has been taken and life is at a crisis level.

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT OF ADDICTION ON LOVED ONES

The complexities of relationships with someone battling addiction can result in emotional, psychological, and interpersonal challenges. Substance abuse has a profound impact on the individual struggling with addiction, as well as their loved ones. Therapy and support can be an essential part of restoring your healthy relationships, maintaining healthy boundaries, and moving forward with your life.

In the midst of a loved one’s active addiction, you may feel overwhelmed, worried, confused, and helpless. If your loved one is on the journey to recovery, you might be feeling a mix of hope, fear, and uncertainty, as you navigate the ups and downs of progress and a “new normal.” Over the course of your relationship with a loved one’s addiction, you may also experience:

Emotional Turmoil

• Unresolved feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration

• Constant worry, fear, and anxiety about the individual’s well-being, including concerns about overdose or legal consequences

• Feelings of powerlessness and helplessness

• Emotional exhaustion and burnout due to the ongoing stress

Communication Concerns

• Frequent arguments and conflicts

• Difficulty expressing your emotions effectively and assertively, leading to misunderstandings, emotional distance, or shutting down

• Breakdown of trust within relationships due to broken promises, lies, or betrayal associated with the addiction

Neglected Self-Care

• Increased stress and neglect of personal needs and self-care due to the focus on the addicted individual

• Loss of hobbies, social connections, and self-identity as your time and attention is primarily directed towards the addiction or individual

• Feelings of guilt and selfishness when attempting to prioritize your own self-care needs

Impact on Other Relationships

• Strained relationships with other family members or friends due to differences in how to handle the addiction or conflicts arising from it

• Isolation and withdrawal from social support systems or activities

• Impact on intimate partnerships, leading to strain, diminished emotional and sexual intimacy, and potential breakdown of the relationship

Codependency

• Development of codependent behaviors, such as prioritizing the needs of the addicted individual over one’s own

• Enabling the substance abuse through behaviors like covering up for them, providing financial support, calling into work, or making excuses

• Neglecting personal boundaries by tolerating abusive behaviors or compromising values to avoid conflict or maintain the relationship

Financial Strain

• Financial instability due to the individual’s addiction, such as loss of employment or accumulation of debts

• Additional financial burdens to support the individual’s treatment, legal issues, or basic needs

• Conflicting emotions of wanting to help but being wary of enabling financially

Acknowledging and understanding the struggles you face is crucial for your own well-being and healing. From emotional turmoil to codependency, communication breakdowns to financial strain, neglected self-care to strain on relationships – these are all challenges that you may encounter on this journey. By recognizing these experiences as valid and getting the support and education you need, you can maintain your own resilience, make healthy choices and continue to be a source of strength.