There are many substances that can be misused and that can lead to a strong addiction. This includes narcotics and street drugs, prescription medications, alcohol and more, and you may be suffering from a strong addiction to one or more substances. You may be well aware of the impact that your addiction has on your health and well-being, but you may not be aware of the impact it is having on your personal relationships. Many people who love and care about you may continue to stand by your side while you struggle with addiction, but when addiction endures, some loved ones may have no other choice but to leave. The damage may be irreparable when this happens, and these individuals may be out of your life forever. These are some of the most significant ways addiction can hurt and ultimately destroy your personal relationships.
Drugs Are the Most Important Aspect of Life
As an addict, you may understand the lure or compelling force of drugs or alcohol. Getting your fix may be all that you can think about, and it is a primary driving force in all of your actions. Personal relationships that should rank as a top priority in your life, such as with your spouse, parents or kids, may fall to the wayside as you strive to drink or do drugs each day. These people who love and care about you can emotionally feel you pulling away from them, and this can cause significant pain on their end. Your addiction likely is causing your loved ones to suffer more than you realize, and they cannot live in these conditions forever.
Addiction Leads to Secrecy and Distrust
Some people openly use and abuse drugs and alcohol, but most understand that their behavior is not socially acceptable or legal. They may begin to hide their use of drugs or alcohol from friends and family who disapprove or who have shown serious concern. This can create a web of lies about where you are going, who you are with, what you are doing and more. Your loved ones, however, may spot the signs of your lies and may eventually grow to distrust you. Trust is one of the most critical elements in a healthy relationship, and damaging this trust by living a secret life can ultimately cause irreparable harm if the activity continues.
Addiction Causes Loved Ones to Lie for You
Those who are closest to you likely know very well what you are doing, how frequently and more. They may have made it clear that they disapprove of your actions, but nonetheless, they may cover for you as a protective mechanism. Their disapproval is not outweighed by their care and concern for you. They often will lie to your employer, school or other friends to help you save face, to prevent you from being fired and more. When your loved ones feel compelled to lie for you, you are putting them in a very stressful situation, and this further damages your relationship with them.
As you can see, drugs and alcohol can seriously impair a relationship, and there may come a time when your loved ones simply give up and turn their back on you. If you are tired of hurting your loved ones, rest assured that help is available through alcohol and drug rehab programs. There are very effective outpatient rehab programs that allow you to continue to live your life and go to work while getting the full level of support and assistance you need. Each day that passes, more damage may be done to your personal relationships. Now is the time to look into rehab and to begin overcoming your addiction. Through an effective rehab program, you can move past this low point in your life and salvage the relationships that are ultimately more important to you than drugs or alcohol.
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