Family Resources
If a substance use disorder has overtaken someone you love, it can be heartbreaking.
It’s difficult to understand the behaviors associated with addiction. You’re worried for your loved one, about the situations they get into, about the way they live, about the constant threat of an overdose.
Many people in our field call addiction a “family disease,” and it is. Addiction not only affects the person who’s struggling, but it also affects everyone around them. Having information and other recovery resources to turn to can help you help your loved one make the right decision.
Discovery Addiction Centers has built this family resources page to help the families of people who are struggling with substance
use disorders.
Our Family Program
We developed our family program out of the experience that addiction involves the entire family unit. Part of our specialized treatment programs, we welcome family participation as part of our patients’ support systems.
Useful Resources
for Families
While stigma is still an issue, there are far more resources available to family members concerned about a loved one. You don’t have to go through this alone. Many of these sites listed below are aimed specifically at families:
- Adult Children of Alcoholics helps those who grew up in a home where people struggled with addiction to alcohol.
- Al-Anon is an organization and mutual support organization for the families and friends of people who struggle with alcohol abuse.
- Families of Addicts is a group seeking to reduce the stigma of addiction while helping the families and friends of those struggling with addiction.
- Nar-Anon Family Groups is a 12-step resource for the friends and family of those struggling with substance addiction.
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) is a clearinghouse for information about alcohol, alcohol addiction and more.
- The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), like the NIAAA, has a lot of valuable information about substance abuse and addiction. Learning about addiction is a great way to help a loved one.
Signs of Addiction in Families
It’s often very hard to tell if a family member is struggling with addiction. Substance use disorders can be hard to recognize, especially if you’re not familiar with them.
However, there are some signs that can mean your loved one has an issue with addictive substances:
Behavioral and Emotional Signs
Behavioral and emotional signs of a potential substance problem include:
- Defensiveness and Secrecy: Your loved one may lie about where they've been, hide substances and potentially become hostile if you confront them.
- Risk-Taking Behavior: This can include everything from stealing to driving while under the influence.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: If your loved one is missing family gatherings, school or work, they might have a problem.
- Losing Interest: Look for a family member who seemingly abandons their relationships, hobbies and other activities they used to enjoy.
- Mood Swings: Dramatic and sudden changes in mood can result from drug and alcohol abuse.
Physical Signs
Substance use disorders cause physical changes in people, which include:
-
Changes in Physical Appearance: Look for bloodshot eyes, changes in the size of pupils, poor hygiene and sudden
weight changes. - Health Issues: Drugs can create health issues that can be serious. Nosebleeds, shakes, forgetfulness, stomach problems and injuries from falls can all be signs of a substance issue.
- Sleep Problems: Insomnia can be caused by stimulant abuse; excessive sleep can result from opioid, benzo and/or alcohol abuse.
Financial and Relationship Signs
Relationships aren’t the only thing substance use puts a strain on:
- Financial Issues: Missing bills, mysterious debts, and having to borrow money can all indicate a drug problem.
- Family Strain: Substance abuse is a magnet for conflict, and it also erodes trust and makes people become emotionally distant.
- Neglected Relationships: One of the saddest signs of a substance issue are relationships abandoned in favor of drug and alcohol use.
- Legal Problems: DUIs, possession charges and other legal problems are common in addiction.
- Isolation: Many people caught in the cycle of addiction isolate themselves from loved ones.
If you’re concerned about a loved one’s behavior, it’s important to act quickly…but carefully. Try to be compassionate and nonjudgmental when approaching the subject. Also, seeking professional help can make a huge difference.
Not Sure How to Help Your Loved One? Reach Out Today
It’s so easy to become overwhelmed when you know – or even think – a loved one is struggling. Their behavior is so hard to understand, you’re worried about their safety…and there’s always the threat of an overdose hanging overhead. It’s understandable if you’re unsure what your first step should be.
But you’re not alone. Discovery Addiction Centers know that substance use disorder is a family disease. We’ve spent years working with families, helping them repair relationships into something that’s stronger than ever.
Contact us and we’ll work together to help your loved one.
Your Recovery Journey Starts Today
Take the first step toward lasting recovery. Our admissions team is available 24/7 to answer your questions and verify your insurance coverage.