ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ADDICTION

UNDERSTAND
 ALCOHOL & SUBSTANCE ADDICTION

Alcohol Drug and Substance addiction destroy families and relationships. Children living within this kind of environment live lonely and intensely difficult lives. 

Some are assuming the role of a parent themselves, looking after younger brothers and sisters. Others are isolated at school because of the stigma attached to their parents' and or their siblings problems. Many are exposed to violence associated with substance misuse.

Children growing up in homes where problem drinking and drugs are seen as normal are 9 times more likely to become drug users or problem drinkers themselves in later life.

Family structures are becoming more complex from the traditional 2 parent family to single-parent families, stepfamilies, foster families, and multi-generational families.

 when a family member has a drink and or substance addiction 

 the effect on the family differs according to the family dynamics.

A child with a parent who abuses substances may grow up to be an overprotective and controlling parent who does not allow his or her children sufficient independence and freedom.

FEELING ISOLATED

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 one another's behavior.

When an adolescent uses alcohol or drugs, siblings in the family may find their needs and concerns minimised whilst parents react to the constant crisis involving the adolescent who has a drink drug problem. 

Family relationships become skewed as the family member's problem takes centre stage, with less time and attention for the other children. Siblings will often yearn the loss of a close relationship with their substance using brother or sister. 

In some cases, brothers and sisters are exposed to drugs simply because they shared the same house. In others, older children deliberately introduce their younger brothers and sisters to drug use. 

Sibling rivalry plays an enormous part in this behaviour.

Happy well grounded families can ultimately break down due to the stress of a addict addict in the family.

FAMILY SUPPORT

Fortunately, these situations don’t have to continue.

Here, at Parentstrology we offer Family therapy support to help you heal your damaged family dynamic. 

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