Do you love someone who is abusing drugs or alcohol?

Addiction is a growing problem in American families. Statistically, most people will be impacted by chemical dependence either through their own illicit use of drugs or alcohol, or through a friend, family member or loved one. Spouses living with an addicted partner suffer from an increase in anxiety, depression, financial issues, and chronic health problems. Often times the problem is well-hidden – sometimes for many years. Family members quickly learn to cover and adapt to the needs of the addicted family member. Family members and partners learn to recognize moods and subtle cues that often accompany binging behavior, and learn to do damage control. This type of management of the problem often perpetuates the cycle of addiction.

Children who grow up with an addicted parent will more likely suffer from chemical dependency, depression, anxiety, difficulty with interpersonal relationships and stress related illnesses.

According to a 2006 National Household Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 112 million Americans age 12 or older reported illicit drug use at least once in their lifetime. 9.4 million (8.2%) of full-time workers were illicit drug users .
57.5% of illicit drug users, aged 18 to 64, were employed full-time
Nearly one out of five (19%) workers aged 18 to 25 used illicit drugs during the past month. This was a higher percentage than among the 26 to 34 (10.3%), 35 to 49 (7%), and 50 to 64 (2.6%) age groups.

How to recognize behavioral signs of an addiction:

1.) Extreme lies to cover patterns of drug/alcohol use. Lying often spills over into other areas of everyday life. For example, a person begins lying about things he/she doesn’t need to.

2.) Chronic mood swings, irritability, agitation, depression, suicidal ideation/thought/gestures.

3.) Pattern of usage has begun to interfere with social relationships. For example, a child becomes argumentative when discussing behavior, is isolative, or chooses only to socialize with others known or suspected of using drugs or alcohol.

4.) Drug or alcohol usage has led to loss of interest in activities previously considered enjoyable (i.e. sports, academics). Substance abuse use has led to school suspension or termination from employment. Dui or other problems with the legal system.

What to do if you suspect your child is using drugs or alcohol:

You need to confront the problem head-on. If the issues are with an adolescent or minor child, you need to get them treated immediately in an appropriate rehab facility. Regular drug-testing can help determine if your child or adolescent is being truthful with you. Many parents are afraid to confront their children about substance abuse, often out of fear that their child will stop confiding in them altogether. Many parents are guilty that they have negatively influenced their children about substance use, or believe that is almost a rite of passage in adolescence and early adulthood. You can’t assume that the problem will go away if only he/she would only stop hanging out with kids who use drugs and alcohol.

If you suspect your child or loved one is addicted to drugs or alcohol, contact an Ala-non Support Group in your area, or visit an addiction specialist to help you obtain health related resources for yourself and family members.

For additional help and resources to help a family member suffering from addiction, please contact lmiller@therapyontheweb.org or visit http://www.therapyontheweb.org/ to arrange for a consult with an addiction specialist.