How to Cope With Family Drug Addiction

When someone becomes dependent on an addictive drug, regardless of whether it is illicit or not, the whole family becomes involved. Whether it be relationships, trust, finances, marriage, or children, drug addiction affects all parts of the addict's life. No place is this more apparent than in the relationships with their family.

Instructions

• 1

  Understand the addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, drug addiction physically changes the nervous system. As such, drug addiction is actually a chronic disease, not a choice. The first few times using might have been a choice, but after the body has become physically reliant on the drug, the body no longer chooses to use, it sees the drug as a necessity for survival. Having this knowledge can help the family see the drug addict in a different light, as well as helping the family plan to get the addict the help they need.

• 2

  Set boundaries. As a family member you can be tempted to do whatever you can to help the addicted member get better. However, it is important to realize what you can and cannot do. A chronically addicted individual will take advantage of whoever they can to continue their fix. Staying strong in how much physical and emotional support you are willing to give your family member will ensure that you are both protecting yourself as well as them.

• 3

  Refuse to enable the user. Enabling is any behavior in which you support their drug use. This could be giving them money, hiding their drug use from authorities, or even giving them a ride to buy drugs.

• 4

  Find a family support group. Groups such as Nar-Anon or Al-Anon both provide family support groups for families dealing with drug addicted members. Support groups allow you to both gain valuable information, as well as give you an outlet to ask questions and bond with individuals in the same circumstances as you.

• 5

  Consider family or individual therapy. There are many licensed psychologists in the field who focus specifically on helping families with drug addicted individuals. Being the family member of an addict can cause great pain and confusion in family members. Talking either in a group or individual session with a licensed professional allows you to gain feedback, as well as allowing you to express your feelings of worry, anger or sadness in a safe environment.