Addiction in the Family
Addiction in the Family
Addiction is a complex issue. It affects every member of the family and can
have a lasting impact on their lives. The effect on family members varies from
person to person and family to family. Family members may become co-dependent
on the addiction.
How Does an Addiction Develop?
Addiction is a process rather
than an event. In the beginning, people often don’t experience any
difficulties. As their use continues, they may begin to focus more on the alcohol,
drugs or gambling than they do on the other areas of their lives. This process
is often influenced by a number of factors, including the culture they live in,
life events, their biological makeup and their relationships with family and
friends.
Researchers have looked at
genetics, environment, and the combination of these two to explain how
dependence develops. Right now, it’s believed that some people are genetically
susceptible to becoming dependent. But this by itself is not enough to develop
an addiction. A person’s life circumstances play an important role in
determining whether or not a person becomes dependent.
How Does an Addiction Affect
the Family?
When a family member has a
dependency, the whole family usually develops ways of coping with the problems
associated with the dependency. Often, there is less communication: the family
avoids talking about the issue, avoids expressing emotions, and may keep the
addiction secret from the community. Some family members may take on some of
the responsibilities abandoned by the addicted person. This is called co-dependency.
While these coping strategies
may help the family to operate more smoothly and get along better, they may
also allow the dependency to continue. Unfortunately, family members may also
use alcohol, drugs or gambling themselves as a way of coping with the problems
in their family.
Members of an addicted family
often experience loneliness, frustration, fear, anger and shame. They may also
feel a sense of hopelessness about the situation. It’s important for them to
realize that the addiction is not their fault. Often, seeking outside help from
a Treatment Rehab, support group or professional counsellor can help them cope
with what is going on in their family.
How Does an Addiction Affect
the Children?
Addiction often creates an
unstable family environment. Parents may not effectively discipline their
children or provide them with training in basic life skills. Children may feel
insecure or unloved. They may also begin to take on adult responsibilities that
are not appropriate to their age.
Children in families where an
addiction is present are more likely to show anti-social behaviour and have
problems such as skipping school, aggressiveness, hyperactivity and eating
disorders.
Is There Any Good News?
Living with an addicted person
is not easy, but most children are resilient. This means that they can overcome
these difficult circumstances and become strong, healthy adults. They build on
their own and others’ strengths. For those who may have resulting problems,
help is available by calling us.
If you just want to do more
research, a good starting point is to talk to people who have experienced a
family addiction or alcoholism. Contact Al-anon or Adult Children of
Alcoholics. Look in your local phone book or go to Al-anon or call us to point
you in the right direction.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS IN
THE GRIPS OF AN ADDICTION CALL US TODAY FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE. PHONE 07 560 66315
About Coaching With Substance
We are Australia's leading award winning addiction
treatment and rehab consultants for gambling, drugs, alcohol, sex, eating and
internet addiction, along with eating behavioural disorders and co-dependency.
Maria Pau is a 4x No. 1
best-selling author on the subjects of addiction and co-dependency and
spiritual wellness. She is the Program Director of Coaching with Substance, the
first registered public benevolent institution, charity and not-for profit
association in Australia that focuses on wellness instead of illness, using
coaching principles for peak performance. We run a cutting edge holistic
addiction treatment program and outpatient rehabilitation consultancy firm that
ensures you are released from the shackles of addiction once and for all.
Primary care at CWS is
personalised to treat each individual using programs that integrate mind, body
and soul. CWS programs are enhanced by highly effective group coaching and
therapeutic processes as well as individual coaching, spiritual insights,
therapy and extensive aftercare assistance.
All clients are thoroughly
assessed by a highly trained and experienced recovery coach, registered provisional
psychologist, ordained mystic, mental health officer and certified naturopaths
(including Ayurveda and Acupuncturist). Clients may also be referred for
psychometric testing and assessment, if needed. International clients welcome.
We also welcome enquiries from
English speaking people from Asia, Europe, Africa, India and South America.
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