Addiction can have a devastating effect on relationships, leading to trust issues, hurt feelings, and anxiety. Drug addiction affects all walks of life, including relationships, making it difficult to maintain trust, respect and open communication. When a person is addicted to a substance, their life revolves around obtaining and using the drug, which can lead to neglecting the responsibilities or needs of your partner. This can result in your partner feeling hurt, angry and betrayed.
One incredibly traumatic effect that addiction can have on relationships is domestic violence. Much of the displaced anger and growing resentment in a relationship in which drugs are involved can bubble and explode violently, leading to potentially fatal consequences. Deception, secrecy, and unexplained distancing from someone who may be dealing with addiction can quickly rob relationship trust. Money can also be diverted from mutual investments and interest to fund a habit. Eliminating alcohol or drug use is just the starting point; once sobriety is achieved, a supportive and caring relationship can be one of the strongest factors for lasting sobriety.
If problems in the relationship are not addressed, they can lay the foundation for ongoing conflict and, in turn, relapse into alcohol or drug use. Therefore, lasting recovery from substance use depends, in part, on improving the relationship. To cover or compensate parents who are addicted to drugs, children can be pushed into uncomfortable or unfamiliar positions. Be sure to ask if the treatment program offers couples counseling or family therapy if you are looking to work on both your relationship and your addiction. The human brain contains something called dopamine, commonly described as the pleasure molecule.
Codependency can occur between two people who abuse drugs, family members or spouses of people who use drugs, or children of people who are addicted. Trust is key to maintaining a healthy relationship; a big reason we can enjoy relationships with others is that we trust that they will be honest and caring. In a relationship with an addict, lack of trust is common because addiction is a disease that affects the mind and body. Communication can also be negatively affected as mistrust continues to increase and each party is afraid to reveal their feelings and emotions. It also describes a relationship that allows an addicted person to continue self-destructive behavior.
While it can be difficult, not impossible; the strength of personal and romantic relationships is truly tested in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse. An addict can do everything they can to get their next dose, and that includes lying and deceiving family and friends. Lying and stealing from loved ones can leave them feeling disrespected and unloved, creating a rift in the relationship. By treating each question with a sense of tenderness and empathy, Lexi knows firsthand what the family member's experience of addiction feels like. When it comes to addiction and relationships, it's important to remember that help is available. Eliminating alcohol or substance use is only the first step; once sobriety has been achieved, a loving and caring relationship can be one of the most critical factors in maintaining that sobriety for drug addicts.
