You know some of the signs. Bloodshot eyes. Shaking and trembling hands. Uncoordinated and clumsy. Slurred speech. Change in weight. Lack of personal hygiene. Pale skin. Bruises. Runny or bloody nose.

You told yourself it wouldn't happen to you. You wouldn't let that happen to you or your family. You're fully aware of the impact this had on the person and everyone affected. One drink led to more. Trying something new led to a habit, part of your daily routine. It became an addiction. Now, you and your family are both dealing with it. Addiction is a family disease.

The Generational Impact of Addiction

Typically when it comes to addiction, the main focus is on the person that is actually addicted. Have you ever considered their family and friends and how they may be affected as well? Addiction truly is a family disease. Addiction has an impact on mental health, physical health, finances, stability, unity, and the overall family dynamic. Genetics is only responsible for around 50% of substance abuse. Other factors like the environment, learned behaviors, and personality plays a more significant role.

The Effects of Addiction on Children

Have you noticed that children will often imitate their parents? The same goes for drugs and alcohol. If you saw your parents smoking or drinking when you were younger, you're a lot more likely to pick up a cigarette or a drink. The environment plays a huge role in children growing up and their decision to experiment with drugs and alcohol.

Trauma and Addiction

A traumatic event like abuse, abandonment, grief, violence, disasters, or war can lead to substance abuse. The combination of trauma and substance abuse can also lead to other mental health issues down the road.

Mental Health and Addiction

Researchers have found a direct correlation between mental health conditions and substance abuse. Some mental health conditions are hereditary. In some cases, a mental health condition combined with a triggering event can lead to problems with substance abuse.

Break the Cycle

Due to a misunderstanding about addiction, loved ones can often enable the addicted without even realizing it. Covering up, making excuses, or blaming other people for their choices and actions are only behaviors that will not help fix the problem at hand.

Be a Supporter, Not a Fixer

There's a difference between supporting and fixing. An important thing to note is that you're not the problem. You have nothing to fix. All you can do is be there and be supportive of the struggling individual. They have to be able to want to change and be accepting of that change in order to manage their recovery process.

Work Together

If you are concerned about addiction in your family, try to have an open and honest conversation with all family members about your concerns. Try to align your family to make sure everyone is on the same page, working together towards the common goal. You will always be stronger together.

Find a Healthy Balance

You can't fill someone else's cup if yours is completely empty. Make sure you're spending enough time focusing on your health and wellness in addition to helping out the addict. Be open and honest with everyone in the family to make sure that your needs and theirs are all being met and that they feel important and cared for during this time.

Seek Help

If you or a family member is struggling with addiction, you don't have to go through it alone. Contact me and set up a consultation to see how I can help you and your family on a path towards recovery and healing with substance use disorder counseling.