Drugs affect the way you think, feel and behave so if you begin to use them to excess or you become addicted, your interactions with others are sure to change over time. As an addict you have no choice but to focus on maintaining your habit and any relationships will generally suffer as a consequence. Family, romantic, and professional relationships are placed under strain as your life revolves around obtaining and using the substance. Your priorities will shift and those closest to you may find your behavior disturbing and upsetting.
How do Drugs have a Negative Impact on Relationships?
There can be financial strain as the purchase of drugs will be prioritized. Secrecy and trust issues can arise as drug use increases; you may feel shame or guilt and want to cover up the extent of your using. There could be a fear of not being understood and you may start to lie about where you go, who you spend time with, what you are spending money on and why your behavior has changed. Secrecy and deception are not good in a relationship. Trust is a valued part of any close relationship. When it is lost or damaged it can give rise to jealousy, anger, fear and resentment.
Certain drugs are known to increase anger, irritability and violence. These include; cocaine, MDMA, Ritalin and other prescription stimulants, steroids and methamphetamine (crystal meth). Dangerous and unpredictable behavior does not make for healthy, nurturing interaction. Frustrations and anger brought about by addiction or by living with someone with an addiction will have obvious negative consequences.
It is sometimes possible that the non-drug taking partner or family member unwittingly becomes an enabler in an attempt to help. They may blame themselves for the drug taking, or spend time and energy trying to limit the damage being done by the addiction, perhaps providing money, which they know will be spent on drugs, under the guise of grocery money, in order not to confront the issue and to prevent any unpleasant withdrawal dramas. Codependency can be a negative effect of drug addiction. You may find yourself becoming so caught up in handling the fluctuations in your partner or family member’s behavior that you lose sight of your own needs and wants or those of your family.
Get Help for Drug Addiction and turn your Life Around in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Whatever the case, there is hope. Here at Casa Recovery in San Juan Capistrano, CA, we understand drug addiction and how drugs affect relationships. We know it is not a simple matter of quitting and carrying on with life so our recovery programs offer full support to help you address any issues which will have arisen in your relationship due to your addiction. Get help today!