How Someone's Addiction Affects Someone Else's Life?

When someone has an addiction, it affects another person's mental health. Addictions to drugs, alcohol, smoking, and other substances cause someone to lose control. The desire to use drugs in high quantities makes someone to be compulsive. Over time, the person you once knew becomes a stranger to you because of the addiction to alcohol and abuse of substances. There is an emotional change that makes them have a new personality due to the mental control the drug has on the brain. 

This causes more anxiety to them and you without realizing it. Someone with an addiction has mental and physical impairments due to excessive drug and alcohol use. Although you do not have an addiction, your spouse or family member who has the addiction creates verbal and mental abuse on you. The worst part is that the person with the addiction is not aware of what he or she says about you. The drugs or substances they use hurts them physically and psychologically.

Often as a spouse, family member, or friend, it is challenging to help someone with an addiction. A person's addiction can get severe depending on the number of years the same drugs or new drugs have been misused. It is painful to see someone you care about go through an untreated addiction. No matter how much you want them to let go of misusing drugs, they may not want your help. Addictions hurt them financially and socially as they cannot live without using substances. 

Yet, there are cases where someone with an addiction does want to change, accept, and quit using alcohol with drugs. But it is necessary to speak to them in a non-violent manner so they can accept their addiction before they begin their recovery process. If they do not want to listen to you for any reason, have someone else intervene to help them accept their addiction. They might want to withdraw from your friendship or your relationship with them without giving you excuses. Give them time and space so they can comprehend how much they have hurt you verbally and emotionally. 

If for some reason, they do not accept their addiction or are too offended with you; Be patient with them. Do not blame them for their addictions. Addictions arise from unemployment, financial hardships, low self-esteem, insecurities, peer pressure, genetics, or a family history of addictions. Furthermore, getting the resources needed for them might help them with rehabilitation from alcohol and substance abuse. Caring for and supporting them might not be enough if they do not accept their addiction.

Take care of your mental health. Check in with the person who is struggling with the addiction. But do not let your preoccupation take over your life, making you feel depressed. Worrying too much about them is not going to help you mentally and physically. Do not feel shame or feel selfish because your mental wellness is so important. 

You cannot always be there for them, and it might not be enough to heal them from their addictions. Their offspring, family members, or spouse might be a remedy for them to accept their addictions. Yet, be aware of how you feel when you see them behave with their addictions. Distance yourself and set boundaries if you need to recharge yourself mentally. Care for yourself. 

Be there for them if they want you to be a part of their life. Let them accept their addiction when they are ready to quit alcohol and substance abuse. Moving forward with patience and setting aside their addiction is a good contribution to your relationship with them. Read educational resources and help them emotionally if there is a relapse. Here are websites about helping someone with addictions. 

Helping a Friend with an Addiction:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=1&contentid=2255

SAMHSA National Helpline: 

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

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