Now
let's ignore the drug user for a minute (this is good practice for us!
) and take a look at the impact of their behaviour on other people. On the family, on friends - on YOU!
Drug or alcohol abuse harms those close to the user. It affects partners and family members - including young children. Aside from financial problems etc. drug/alcohol abuse causes great emotional damage.
A partner or family may become isolated as friends avoid the drug or alcohol abuse.
The user becomes the centre of attention. The needs of other family members may be neglected.
Worry, stress and feelings of guilt (is it my fault?) are common in partners and family members.
Coping with the destructive behaviour of a problem drug/alcohol user is emotionally exhausting. The lies, the broken promises, and so on . . .
Drug or alcohol abuse causes great emotional harm to partners and family members
We need to protect ourselves. You need to protect yourself
This is what we can do:
We let them know how we feel about their using/boozing
We set boundaries to encourage them to seek help
We get on with living our own lives