Great relationships are built on trust, love, and understanding. However, these bonds are very fragile. The strain substance abuse puts on them can break even the deepest bonds. The damage caused by the lies and hurtful words may take forever to heal. People who are addicted lose much-needed support during recovery due to broken relationships.
You can reach out for help by searching for ‘mental health facilities near me online.
Here’s how drug addiction leads to various relationship issues.
Deception and lies
It all starts with lies and secrets in a relationship with an addict. Addicts often hide and lie about their drug usage to their family members and close ones. They do it to prevent themselves from the social stigma and disappointment loved ones show them. The lies start with simple things like the people they are hanging out with or places they are going and escalate to serious ones.
Loss of trust
As the lies and deceits increase, the natural result is a loss of trust in a relationship. You never know whether they are telling the truth or lying, so you doubt everything they say. It also gradually leads to a loss of respect and an increase in resentment and disloyalty. A romantic relationship between partners and spouses is most damaged when this happens. In a marriage, it can often lead to divorce among couples.
Violence and abuse
Substance abuse can take a darker turn in relationships when all the pent-up anger and frustration come out as domestic violence. People under the influence of drugs often get angry quickly and turn into rage within minutes, where they can attack spouses, children, and other loved ones without considering the consequences. The anger and abuse can be from the person not using it if they have aggressive tendencies.
Enabling relationships
Loved ones often try to help the addicts in different ways. Sometimes it is by taking care of the addict or by covering up for them. Sometimes you may also help them by giving financial aid. Although out of love, such actions often act as enabling behaviors for the drug addict. It prevents them from realizing what the substance is doing to their life. Fostering is another effect substance disorders have on relationships.
Co-dependent relationships
Similar to enabling relationships, co-dependent relationships also often make the situation worse than better. Most co-dependent enjoy the feeling that they are needed and don’t focus on getting the addict better. They fulfill their desire for attachment and closeness, forming such relationships, and rarely care about the person suffering from substance disorder.
About Iris Wellness Group/Chattanooga Drug & Alcohol Rehab
If you or your loved ones are struggling with drug abuse or mental health, Iris Wellness Group will help you. We believe everyone deserves a second chance, and finances should stop no one from getting medical help. So we accept most major insurances. Our Tennessee recovery center offers treatments for all kinds of substance abuse and mental health disorders. You can reach out to us at 423-541-0656 or fill out our contact form to know more. Get your free insurance verification here.
