A Substance Use Disorder is a troubling pattern of alcohol or drug misuse, leading to negative consequences. It starts with experimentation and "recreational" use. From there, it grows into a substance abuse problem. Left untreated, it can escalate into addiction. The sooner that we are able to address someone's issues, the better the chances are returning to a place of healthy choices and sustained recovery. To learn more, click below:
It is hard to know what to do when you suspect that someone you know is struggling with a substance use disorder. One of the first things you need to come to grips with is that you can't control your loved one's addiction. It will exhaust your strength and hope. There are answers to your questions and steps that you can take. Give us a call. We can help you take care of yourself and your family. If you are not sure where to start, read on to learn more.
Families and friends with a loved one who is struggling with a substance use disorder are hurting people. Pain, fear and frustration come from watching someone they love slowly slip away from them. On top of the grief is the chaos and frustration that addiction brings on the family - broken trust, lost intimacy, abandonment, financial disaster, etc. Families dealing with alcohol and other drug problems are often stressed to the breaking point.
Co-dependency is a unhealthy set of behaviors that have been learned trying to adapt to the dysfunction of substance use disorders in a family. Feeling out of control themselves, a person can desperately try to control their addicted loved one. If left unchanged, these behaviors can move into other relationships outside the family, treating others in the same unhealthy ways. So many family members have their own journey of healing too.
