Drugs win, relationships lose

It is nevertheless a fact that an addict identifies his/her patterns well before he/she becomes a true addict. They observe the changes happening within themselves but often choose to ignore the consequences because of the compulsive behaviour that the drugs induce in them. They notice their relationships being tormented and acknowledge themselves being isolated. But are helpless and have gradually become slaves to their own addiction. Simply put, where drugs win, the relationships lose. 

Effect of drugs on relationships

With the involvement of drugs in a relationship, many of the elements that are necessary for successful relationships become difficult to maintain. Since the single focus of the user becomes, procuring and using the substance of his abuse, he cannot cater anymore to his relationships. The euphoric phenomena of drug usage leave no time and energy for the addict to be a part of his family and its happenings. Therefore, the relationships take a huge toll in addiction. Lets now discuss a few reasons why addicts loose relationships.

Secrecy

Strong feelings of shame, guilt and fear of judgement overpower the addict’s conscience. He/she slowly becomes secretive about his/her whereabouts, new friends, events of the day and the necessity for excess expenditure. Secrecy can put enormous strain on the relationships when it extends to the point where the addict chooses to be isolated. The addict lies and tries to hide addiction behind his/her lies. This results in lose of trust and insecurity in intimate relationships.

Financially

Addiction takes the entire time of the addict in its maintenance, leaving the addict in a situation of helplessness physically and psychologically to attend work. Financial crisis/decline is a common scene in addicts’ families. Apart from not earning, the addicts tend to spend more and more money to procure the substance of their abuse. Eventually, the family runs into loss of finance leaving them into a crisis. This element is a major destructor as far as the families of addicts are concerned.

Social Stigma

The families and close relationships of the addicts are generally looked down upon and treated as low-lives in the society. The extended family of the addicts are subjected to stress and humiliation by the society for the addicts behaviour in general. The children of addicts are isolated from their peers by their parents in the fear of losing their children. Also, children of the addicts’ face bias in societal norms. They are often forced to carry unfamiliar and uncomfortable roles to compensate for a parent’s addiction. These conditions make the family members of the addicts suffer social stigma.

Violence

A pattern of abusive behaviour in a relationship that’s used by an addict to gain or maintain power and control over the other partner is known as Domestic violence. When combined with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, this domestic violence can quickly escalate into a habit that is hard to get away from.

Violence is the biggest deal breaker in addict’s relationships. Studies have it that at least 40-60% of the spouses of addicts suffer physical violence on a regular basis while the extended family also has to bear the brunt. This is the most dangerous side effect of addiction as the violent behaviour of an addict may sometimes result in grieve injuries and homicides.

The above mentioned are a few common negative consequences of addiction that torment the addict’s relationships.

How to seek help

An addict need not essentially lose his/her relationships due to addiction. The key to rebuild successful relationships and recover from a destructive relationship pattern is not only to find treatment for the violence, but also seek help to treat addiction. There are rehab centres that can help both the abuser and the abused overcome a substance addiction and improve their overall quality of life. Sign in for a new life just by joining the right rehab centre.