Nothing has more of a negative impact on the family dynamic than an alcohol or drug abuse problem...
Maybe they are using drugs or drinking more and more heavily. They seem to be becoming alcoholic. And you know they are headed for white water and some serious consequences, unless they change their behavior. And as their parent, you are aware they have a drug or alcohol problem for a while now.
They are your children and you love them. You did the best you could to bring them up and teach them right from wrong, to be honest and act responsibly. Chances are you are sad and disappointed because you've become aware they have become drug users and or regular alcohol drinkers. Odds are they are in some kind of trouble too. Maybe they've lost their job, or been arrested. Or maybe you can see how they are physically going downhill, fast. Maybe their marriage is in big trouble.
Don't judge them too harshly, the problem is a medical and mental disorder...
It's important to try and understand they have a life-threatening, debilitating mental and medical disease. It has been considered an illness for a long time.
They are lost and completely out of touch with reality and in desperate need of some kind of intervention.
And maybe you've already made at least one honest attempt to bring the subject of their drug or alcohol use up so you could to discuss it with them.
Let's say you have already approached them about their drug or alcohol use. Odds are they immediately got very defensive the moment you mentioned they might have a problem.
Either way, whether you've tried talking to them or you just want to but haven't yet, nothing has changed. Their drug or alcohol use is obvious to everyone except them.
So, you dance around it and pretend it is not that bad. You hope things will just get better. And maybe they will get better on their own, it's possible, but not likely.
Is your spouse drinking more and more these days?
Or usingl drugs or taking far more prescription medication than they need? Do they smoke marijuana regularly, or use some other narcotic, just for fun?
Then there is an alcohol or drug abuse problem...
If it's "just" pot, marijuana use, it is far more damaging and dangerous than people realize.
As the concerned spouse have one or more of the following options:
- Ignore the problem
If you choose to ignore the problem, you should get some help for yourself. Drinking problems only get worse, never better. You are putting yourself at risk of an auto accident which will certainly hurt someone or worse.
- Talk with them
This is not a bad idea. And if they listen make sure they agree to get some professional help. And make sure if they do not follow through, the next step si you will leave the relationship.
- Leave the relationship
We threw this in to make sure you're paying attention. Leaving is an option and one that you should be considering in case all else fails. It is an option that will get you out of a dangerous situation and will send a powerful message to the other; they have a problem which just cost them the best thing in their life.
- Plan an intervention
Interventions do work and they can works wonders. Yes, we are big believers in the power of taking this proven effective step towards facing and addressing the problem, squarely. For more information about how to do an intervention, click here
Today, 20% of all school children are using and abusing prescription medication.
If the child lives in your home you have the right to have them drug tested. And they should be enrolled in some form of therapy and counseling.
If they live outside your home, we suggest you talk with them. If they are willing to get help, call or fill out a form and we can help you find the right program.
If they deny or refuse to get help for the drug or alcohol problem, consider doing an internvetion, see our intervention page.
You must try to get them to see they have a life-threatening, debilitating problem, before it's too late. And the best most effective method is what is known as a family intervention.
For more information about interventions, click here
