Drug abuse is a problem that affects more than the individual drug abuser. Everyone in the abuser’s life can be impacted, from co-workers to friends to members of the community. The abuser’s family is especially vulnerable to the effects of his or her drug abuse and it is the family that is most interested in seeing the abuser undergo treatment for drug recovery. Often a member of the abuser’s family will initiate drug recovery treatment by staging an intervention.
Drug addiction completely alters an addicted individual, making him or her unrecognizable to loved ones. Watching the downward spiral of addiction, family members experience a wide range of conflicting emotions that may include anger, disappointment, frustration, concern, fear and betrayal. They may have a strong desire to cut all ties with their addicted loved one.
An integral part of the drug recovery is an ongoing process. By providing love and support, they can help their loved one avoid relapse and continue to progress on the road to recovery.