Addiction and Effects on the Family 1

Addiction and Effects on the Family

Sletta Mata

ENGL 102 Composition II

Keegan Norwood

Lower Columbia College

August 19, 2018

Addiction and Effects on the Family 2

Abstract
This essay will cover the topic of addiction and the effects it has on the family of an

addict. I will share what addiction is and how it affects the addict, the spouse of an addict, and

the children of an addict. I will share very limited input from mine and my husband’s experience

when he was an addict. Addiction is a growing epidemic and I believe we should start to focus

on the family affected by addiction not solely on the addict.

Addiction and Effects on the Family 3

Addiction and Effects on the Family

Take a moment and think about addiction and addicts. When you think of addiction what

do you think about? What about when you think of an addict? What thoughts, phrases, or images

come to mind? Does a low life, good for nothing, did this to themselves type of person come to

mind? Do you take time to consider the family of an addict? Do you ever wonder what that

family is going through as their loved one succumbs to an addiction that has spiraled out of

control? Do you cast your judgement on that family because they are not doing all the things you

would do if you were in their shoes? I’d like to spend some time talking about the effect that

addiction has on a family. I’d like to move the focus from the addict to the family suffering

because their loved one is addicted.

Addiction causes turmoil between the addict and their family members. Sadly, addicts

don't always realize the damage their addiction is causing. Addiction does not only affect the

addict, but it also affects their spouse or significant other and their children. Extended family

members and friends can also be affected by addiction. How does addiction affect the spouse or

significant other of an addict? What about children with a parent that is addicted, how does

addiction affect them?

What exactly is addiction and substance abuse, and who is at risk? According to the

American Psychiatric Association, “Addiction is a complex condition, a brain disease that is

manifested by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequence. People with addiction

(severe substance use disorder) have an intense focus on using a certain substance(s), such as

alcohol or drugs, to the point that it takes over their life” (Parekh). Merriam Webster defines

substance abuse as, “excessive use of a drug (such as alcohol, narcotics, or cocaine): use of a

drug without medical justification.” It is possible for anyone to become addicted to drugs due to
Addiction and Effects on the Family 4

the change in brain chemistry once a substance has been taken. “People with a substance use

disorder have distorted thinking, behavior and body functions. Changes in the brain’s wiring are

what cause people to have intense cravings for the drug and make it hard to stop using the drug.

Brain imaging studies show changes in the areas of the brain that relate to judgment, decision

making, learning, memory and behavior control” (American Psychiatric Association). The

changes in the brain caused by substances make it easier to become addicted but harder to stop

using the substance. However, there are other factors that can increase a person's risk of

becoming addicted. Biology, environment, and development are all factors that can increase a

person's risk of addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that, “The genes that

people are born with account for about half of a person's risk for addiction.” The environment

that a person is raised in or had experienced can also raise the risk of addiction. If a person

comes from an abusive environment, has poor influences in life, or has been exposed to

substance abuse they are at an increased risk of becoming addicted. Development is also a risk

factor. The younger a person is when they take drugs, the more likely they are to become

addicted. “Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use

begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction” (The National Institute on Drug Abuse).

This is due to the development of the brain. The younger brain is more prone to risky behaviors,

whereas the more developed brain is not.

It is not uncommon for people to have a lack of understanding and a negative view about

addiction. Many people believe that addicts choose this lifestyle and deserve all the bad and

harm that comes their way. “They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral

principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to” (The

National Institute on Drug Abuse). It’s all too common that we either hear or partake in
Addiction and Effects on the Family 5

conversations where addicts are talked about in a derogatory manner. They even have the slang

name “tweakers” which refers to a person that is on drugs. It’s easy to see the negative side of

addiction when you constantly see all the negative outcomes or problems it causes. For example,

when you see a person walking past you on the street or in a store and they seem out of touch

with reality, almost as if they don’t know what’s going on around them. Theft is another negative

seen from addiction. Addicts will steal to support their habit, so it’s easy to blame an addict

when your car gets broken into or something of value is stolen from your property. It is true that

there is not much good that comes of an addict trying to feed their addiction.

Addicts face many challenges and changes when in addiction. As their addiction grows

they shift their priorities and eventually the most important thing to them is feeding their

addiction. “People who abuse substances are likely to find themselves increasingly isolated from

their families. Often, they prefer associating with others who abuse substances or participate in

some other form of antisocial activity. These associates support and reinforce each other’s

behavior” (Center for Substance Abuse Treatment). My husband said at the peak of his addiction

and until he was in rehab his focus was on how to get more of the substance he was using. It

didn’t matter the cost or the toll it took on our family, all that mattered at that point was getting

the next high. When a person decides to use drugs the chemistry of their brain changes. “The

initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain

changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist

intense urges to take drugs” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). When the drug enters the body

system the brain is stimulated by dopamine and sends the signal of pleasure. Often this pleasure

is so intense that the person keeps taking the drug to feel it again. A tolerance can be built and

lead to an increased amount of drugs being consumed to reach that high or pleasure again. “The
Addiction and Effects on the Family 6

initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain

changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist

intense urges to take drugs” (The National Institute on Drug Abuse). Trying to feel that intense

pleasure again often leads to addiction. Brain changes aren’t the only thing that affects an addict.

It is common for an addict to steal so that they can get money for their substances. This can lead

to a life of crime and time spent in jail or even prison depending on the crime. Some addicts will

trade sex for drugs. When a person becomes addicted to drugs they may lose custody of their

children if they are not properly caring for them. This is common because addicts usually can not

properly care for their children or themselves. If a person is married when they become addicted,

they can end up divorced. Addicts can lose their homes and become homeless. They can lose

their jobs and have no way to support themselves and end up eating out of dumpsters. When a

person becomes addicted to drugs they can lose everything, their marriage, their children, their

home, their car, their job. They become an empty shell chasing a high.

The effects of addiction don’t stop with the user. There are also effects felt by the

addict’s spouse or significant other. “A person’s spouse may experience a sense of loss or

disappointment, as shared endeavors or hopes seem to fall apart and the addiction takes

precedence over the relationship’s or family’s needs” (The Treehouse Drug and Alcohol Rehab).

The addict often will lie to their spouse about their addiction. They will try to hide it and be and

become “secretive, evasive and dishonest about their behaviors” (The Treehouse Drug and

Alcohol Rehab). Addicts often go to great lengths to hide their addiction from their spouse, the

behaviors they use to hide their addiction often causes mistrust between them and their spouse.

The spouse of an addict may blame themselves for their spouse’s addiction. It’s not uncommon

for this self-blame to lead to a lack of self-worth for the affected spouse. The longer the addiction
Addiction and Effects on the Family 7

is present the more the spouse may feel the need to take care of the addict as they have a harder

time caring for themselves. “Caretaking can become a great burden, often to the extent that it

begins to even take toll on that person’s health physically, especially within the realm of mental

health disorders, like anxiety and depression” (The Treehouse Drug and Alcohol Rehab). The

spouse may enable the addict, intentionally or unintentionally, while they are trying to care for

their loved one. A spouse of an addict may isolate themselves from their family and friends as a

way to protect themselves or the addict. I personally isolated myself from everyone because of

all the shame and guilt I felt from my husband’s addiction and the toll it took on me. “Family

members, especially non-addicted spouses, are forced to pick up the slack for the addict, make

excuses for his or her behavior and potentially endure sexual, physical and emotional abuse”

(Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, Inc.) The spouse of an addict may also suffer from

financial instability as the addict uses the money to support their habit. Divorce is not uncommon

in marriages where addiction is present. If the spouse of an addict decides to leave the addict

there is a great emotional toll attached to it. On the other hand, if the spouse decides to stay and

try to support their loved one and try to get them help they are often looked down upon by their

friends and family for not leaving. No matter the choice to leave or stay the non-addicted partner

goes through so much turmoil. There is a great emotional toll taken from those whose partners

are addicted. Often the non-addicted partner will isolate or feel lonely. There is a support group

for family members of those who are addicted. Nar-Anon is a group that provides support to

family members. You can access their website at http://www.nar-anon.org/ and find information

and a local support group.

Perhaps though the darkest part of being married to an addict is the abuse that comes with

the addiction.
Addiction and Effects on the Family 8

‘Within the context of a couple, this abuse is so prevalent, that it even has a name —

intimate partner violence (IPV), a travesty, that the American Society of Addiction

Medicine (ASAM) tells us ‘is a major public health concern’ (The Treehouse Drug and

Alcohol Rehab).

IPV is when a person wishes to be, was, or is in an intimate relationship with someone and wants

to gain control. The tactics used to gain control are abusive and include physical, mental, and

emotional abuse. Threats, isolation, stalking and intimidation may also be used. IPV is not

directly related to substance abuse, however, the majority of reported cases of IPV include

substance abuse. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine,

Substance abuse has been found to co-occur in 40-60% of IPV incidents across various

studies. Several lines of evidence suggest that substance use/abuse plays a facilitative role

in IPV by precipitating or exacerbating violence. Some studies also suggest the benefit of

interventions that focus on substance abuse/addiction in men who have histories of IPV.

(Soper)

The American Society of Addiction Medicine recognizes the dangers of co-occurring IPV and

substance abuse and expresses the importance of treating the substance abuse. When IPV and

substance abuse co-occur, it is likely that the IPV is triggered by the substance abuse. Hence,

treat the substance abuse first and the IPV is likely the diminish.

Children with an addicted parent or parents may be the most affected. The child or

children of an addicted parent are often neglected as the parent’s addiction grows. The addicted

parent can no longer take care of themselves or their children. Addicted parents are not always

alert enough to ensure their children's safety and can leave them in unsafe locations, situations,

and with unsafe people. “Drug use can make parents unable to work and earn money, and make
Addiction and Effects on the Family 9

them use up the family's money. The kids might go without heat, food, electricity, or even a

place to live” (National Institute on Drug Abuse). It is not uncommon for extended family

members to care for the children of an addict or for the children to be removed from the addict

by the state. Greater than all of that though is the emotional toll of having an addicted parent.

“The effects of living with an addicted parent can be felt long after childhood and well into

adulthood. Parental alcoholism and drug addiction can create poor self-image, loneliness, guilt,

anxiety, feelings of helplessness, fear of abandonment and chronic depression in children”

(Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, Inc.). Children who grow up with an addicted parent

are more likely to become addicted when they grow up. This increased risk of addiction comes

not only from genetics but also from seeing the normality in which substances are used.

According to The Treehouse Drug and Alcohol Rehab,

In addition to the fact that there may already be a genetic risk factor due to the biological

connection between parent and child, a child may be more apt to experiment with drugs

or alcohol at some point because they consistently witness these behaviors. Foremost,

they may be more inclined to think that using—and abusing—these substances is okay

and even acceptable (keep in mind, some children may not always realize a person is

addicted, and find this behavior to be normal). Secondly, research illustrates that a large

amount of children actually procure their drugs or alcohol from a parent. (The Treehouse

Drug and Alcohol Rehab)

Children of addicted parent or parents are more likely to abuse substances because of the

example being set by their parent or parents. If they have a parent that is addicted there is an

increased risk of the child getting their substance from their parent. Having a parent that abuses
Addiction and Effects on the Family 10

drugs or alcohol is more common than it should be. According to Behavioral Health of the Palm

Beaches, Inc.,

One in five adult Americans lived with an alcoholic relative at some point during their

childhoods. Overall, these individuals are at a greater risk for behavioral and emotional

problems when compared to children of non-alcoholics. Children of alcoholics are four

times more likely to develop alcoholism than individuals who were not raised by

alcoholics. They are also more likely to have difficulty dealing with stress and highly

likely to marry an alcoholic or abusive spouse later in life. (Behavioral Health of the

Palm Beaches, Inc.).

Substance abuse creates instability in the home, this instability can lead a child to care for and

supervise themselves. When a child has a parent that is addicted to drugs or alcohol they are

more likely to suffer from emotional problems as well as behavior problems. They might act out

as a way of expressing the chaos that is going on in their environment. The Center for Substance

Abuse Treatment say that children get confused by the inconsistent rules and enforcement. This

inconsistency makes it impossible for children to find the boundaries for right and wrong.

Children may go so far as to purposely act out badly to try to get their parents to engage and set

boundaries. Boundaries are important because they give children a guideline on how to act and a

spectrum in which to keep their behavior. Boundaries provide stability. Children are resilient,

and according to Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, can “develop tools to respond to

extreme stress, disruption, and change, including mature judgment, capacity to tolerate

ambiguity, autonomy, willingness to shoulder responsibility, and moral certitude”. Children who

have a parent that abuses drugs or alcohol and live in an unstable environment can develop

coping skills to help bring stability into their life. Children with an addicted parent may seek
Addiction and Effects on the Family 11

therapy to help the child process all that they have went through and experienced from having an

addicted parent.

The effects of addiction are not secluded to just the addict. The family of an addict is

greatly affected by their loved one’s addiction. Addiction creates stress within the family unit as

the addict’s spouse and children feel most of the effects and outcomes of their loved one’s

addiction. Addiction can be very destructive to the family unit and causes turmoil between the

addict and their family members. An addict may or may not realize the damage their addiction is

causing their family. Once a person becomes addicted their priorities change. They lose focus on

their family and gain focus on how to get high. There is help available for an addict to recover

from addiction. However, only the addict will be able to determine when they are ready for help

with recovery. As destructive as addiction is, there is hope and there is help. There is support

available to the family of an addict. Those affected by a family members addiction should seek a

support group or therapy to help them as they go through this process. Those suffering from

addiction can find a rehabilitation center that will best fit them and their needs, there are a

plethora of rehabilitation centers that can be found online. There is help out there for the family

and the addict, and the best way to make it though this is with support from others. You are not

alone in this fight! You will make it to the other side!

Addiction and Effects on the Family 12

References

Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (n.d.). The Impact of Substance Abuse and
Addiction on Families. Retrieved August 19, 2018, from
https://www.bhpalmbeach.com/recovery-articles/impact-substance-abuse-and-addiction-
families/

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy.
Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US);
2004. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 39.) Chapter 2 Impact of
Substance Abuse on Families. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64258/

Mata, M. A. (2018, August 19). My Experience as an Addict [Personal interview].

Substance Abuse [Def. 1]. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved August 19, 2018, from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substance abuse

Nar-Anon. (2017). Home. Retrieved August 19, 2018, from http://www.nar-anon.org/

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016, August). Understanding Drug Use and Addiction.
Retrieved August 19, 2018, from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017, August 15). Drug Use Hurts Kids. Retrieved August
19, 2018, from https://easyread.drugabuse.gov/content/drug-use-hurts-kids

Parekh, R., M.D., M.P.H. (2017, January). What Is Addiction? Retrieved August 19, 2018,
from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/what-is-addiction

Soper, R. G., Soper, MD, JD, MS, FASAM, DABAM, Editor-in-Chief. (2014, October 6).
Intimate Partner Violence and Co-Occurring Substance Abuse/Addiction. Retrieved
August 19, 2018, from
https://www.asam.org/resources/publications/magazine/read/article/2014/10/06/intimate-
partner-violence-and-co-occurring-substance-abuse-addiction

The Treehouse. (2017, January 11). How Does Addiction Affect Family and Friends?
Retrieved August 19, 2018, from https://www.treehouserehab.org/addiction-affect-family-
friends/
Addiction and Effects on the Family 13

Addiction and Effects on the Family: An Annotated Bibliography

Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, Inc. (n.d.). The Impact of Substance Abuse and
Addiction on Families. Retrieved August 19, 2018, from
https://www.bhpalmbeach.com/recovery-articles/impact-substance-abuse-and-addiction-
families/

The article The Impact of Substance Abuse and Addiction on Families by Behavioral
Health of the Palm Beaches, Inc., talks about the effect addiction has on an addict's
spouse, children, and parents. It breaks down how each group is affected by their loved
one’s addiction.
This article is relevant to my topic because it is focused on the effects addiction has on an
addicts loved ones. It adequately covers the topics of the effects addiction has on an
addict's spouse, children, and parents. It is written by a rehabilitation center that not only
focuses on the rehabilitation of the addict but also the healing of the addict’s family.
Working with this source has brought to light the fact that childhood trauma and abuse
greatly increase a person's likelihood to become an addict. It also revealed the different
roles that family members play when dealing with an addicted loved one. This source
will help me develop my argument on how addiction affects the spouse and children of
an addict.
Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy.
Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US);
2004. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 39.) Chapter 2 Impact of
Substance Abuse on Families. Available from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64258/

Center for Substance Abuse Treatment published the article Substance Abuse Treatment
and Family Therapy, that goes in depth about the effects substance abuse has on different
family structures. All families with a loved one abusing substances are affected, each
family structure is affected in a different way.

I discovered this source from The National Center for Biotechnology Information
database. I decided to use this information because it is from a credible source and will
help be provide relevant and credible information for my readers. This source covers
many different aspects of the way a family is affected by addiction. It talks about how the
spouse of an addict is affected as well as how children of an addict are affected by
addiction.
After working with this source, I have realized that family dynamics play a part in the
effects of a loved one’s substance abuse. This source supports my topic because it covers
the entire family unit and how they are affected by addiction. I will use this in the body of
my essay in paragraphs four and five where I talk about the spouse of an addict and the
children of an addict.
Mata, M. A. (2018, August 19). My Experience as an Addict [Personal interview].
Addiction and Effects on the Family 14

Marc Mata is my husband and has a history with abusing narcotics. He is a relevant
source of information as I write my paper because he can provide first hand
experiences and thoughts of an addict.

Even though I plan on not using this source as one of my main sources of information,
it is still relevant and provides a firsthand perspective of substance abuse. The first had
experience gives this source authority to speak on this topic. Having entered
rehabilitation two years ago, this source is current.

The part of my topic this source supports is the turmoil that addiction brings to a
family and that addicts don't always realize the damage they are causing. I will use
information from him in the body of my essay when I talk about how addiction affects
the addict. I decided to use this source because of the firsthand experience and
knowledge gained from personal history as an addict.

Nar-Anon. (2017). Home. Retrieved August 19, 2018, from http://www.nar-anon.org/

Nar-Anon is a support group for family members and friends of addicts. This website
provides support to friends and family members of an addict. This is important because
when you have a loved one that is an addict it can become very overwhelming and hard
to cope.

This source is focused on the healing of addicts loved ones. The website is kept up to date
with information on meetings. This source is great for addicts loved ones to know they
are not alone in this journey.
This source has helped me realize that there are support groups and help available for
those who have a loved one that is addicted. I plan on sharing this information in the
paragraph about the effects addiction has on a spouse.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016, August). Understanding Drug Use and Addiction.
Retrieved August 19, 2018, from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction

The article Understanding Drug Use and Addiction, published by National Institute on
Drug Abuse, talks about addiction and drug use. It covers topics such as what addiction is
and how it happens, risk factors for addiction, and addiction recovery.

This source is current and was recently updated. It is relevant to my topic and covers
addiction, what it is and how it happens. It has authority as it was published by the
National Institute on Drug Abuse.
This source has helped me to realize that there are certain risk factors for addiction other
than using an addictive substance. I will use this source in the part of my paper that talks
about what substance abuse is and who becomes addicted.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2017, August 15). Drug Use Hurts Kids. Retrieved August
19, 2018, from https://easyread.drugabuse.gov/content/drug-use-hurts-kids
Addiction and Effects on the Family 15

The National Institute on Drug Abuse published an article Drug Use Hurts Kids, that
covers the effects addiction can have on children. It talks about the consequences kids
may face if their parent or family member are addicted.
This source is very relevant to my topic and provides great information on the topic of the
effects addiction has on kids. This source holds authority as it was published by the
National Institute on Drug Abuse.
After working with this source, I have reaffirmed that kids can be in great danger when
their loved one is addicted. I plan on using information from this source in the paragraph
about the effects drug abuse has on children.
Parekh, R., M.D., M.P.H. (2017, January). What Is Addiction? Retrieved August 19, 2018,
from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/addiction/what-is-addiction

The article What Is Addiction? Written by Ranna Parekh, M.D., M.P.H., and published
by American Psychiatric Association, covers what addiction is and how it is treated. It
covers how the brain is affected by addiction. This source also covers the process of
recovery.

This source is relevant as it covers the topic of what addiction is and how to treat it. This
article is current and was last updated in January 2017. This article holds authority as it
was published by American Psychiatric Association.
I have realized that addiction greatly affects the function of the brain and isn't something
a person can just stop. I will use the information from this article in my paragraph about
how addiction affects the addict.
Soper, R. G., Soper, MD, JD, MS, FASAM, DABAM, Editor-in-Chief. (2014, October 6).
Intimate Partner Violence and Co-Occurring Substance Abuse/Addiction. Retrieved
August 19, 2018, from
https://www.asam.org/resources/publications/magazine/read/article/2014/10/06/intimate-
partner-violence-and-co-occurring-substance-abuse-addiction

The article Intimate Partner Violence and Co-Occurring Substance Abuse/Addiction,

written by Richard G. Soper, MD, JD, MS, FASAM, DABAM, Editor-in-Chief, covers
the topic of spousal abuse co-occurring with addiction or substance abuse. This source
not only talks about the abuse of a partner but also talks about treatment.

This source will function in my essay by helping to cover the topic of how a spouse of an
addict is affected by their addiction. I located the source on the American Society of
Medicine website and decided to use this source because it came from a credible website.

It is important to share the fact the spousal abuse is common when addiction is present in
one or both partners. This source helps support my topic by covering the spousal abuse
that happens when a partner is addicted. I will use information from this source in the
fourth paragraph of the body of my paper.
Addiction and Effects on the Family 16

Substance Abuse [Def. 1]. (n.d.). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved August 19, 2018, from
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/substance abuse

I used the Merriam-Webster dictionary to define the term Substance Abuse. This source
provided a clear definition of that term.
This source is credible and holds authority as it is the widely used Merriam-Webster
dictionary. This source holds no bias as it defines the meaning of words or actions.
This source gave me a clear definition of Substance Abuse. I will use this source in the
part of my paper that talks about substance abuse and what it is.
The Treehouse. (2017, January 11). How Does Addiction Affect Family and Friends?
Retrieved August 19, 2018, from https://www.treehouserehab.org/addiction-affect-family-
friends/

The article How Does Addiction Affect Family and Friends? published by The Treehouse
Drug and Alcohol Rehab, breaks down the dynamics of how a family is affected by
addiction. It covers many different aspects of the effects of addiction, such as the roles
that those close to an addict play and how that being in those roles affects not only the
relationship between the addict and family member but also the health and well-being of
the family member.

This source supports my topic because it provides information about the damage that
addiction causes. This is a credible source, I discovered this source from the website
https://www.treehouserehab.org. This website is from The Treehouse Drug and Alcohol
Rehab, which is a rehabilitation center for those suffering from substance abuse.

This source shared about many ways that families are affected by addicted loved ones.
This source allows me to branch out and share that information with my readers. I will be
able to use the information gained from this source in the body of my paper in paragraphs
four and five.