Addiction is a widespread term that you might have heard of every other day, whether it’s in the news, in your office space, or in a cafe. However, it becomes a confusing and emotionally challenging experience when it happens within the family.
If someone in your family is struggling with addiction, you might be looking for resources to know how to help them. There are common family roles in addiction recovery. To understand these roles, you need to understand the stages of addiction first and how it impacts families. Let’s explore the journey an addicted person takes so you can help them better come out of it.
Stage 1: Experimentation
This is the time when they explore because of their curiosity. Teenagers or young adults might experiment with substances due to peer pressure. They search for new experiences or self-medication for underlying emotional issues. At this point, the behavior isn’t necessarily problematic, but families should be open about the dangers of addiction and create clear boundaries.
Impact on Families:
Although this stage might not raise immediate concerns, open communication is still important. Families can talk about their values and concerns about substance use and create a safe space for teens to ask questions without judgment.
Stage 2: Regular Use
The person starts using the substance more frequently, usually to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom. They might experience a sense of pleasure or relief to support the behavior. This is where subtle changes in behavior might become noticeable, such as missed appointments, changes in sleep patterns, or a decline in schoolwork or job performance.
Impact on Families:
Families might start feeling a sense of uneasiness, but denial can be expected. They might minimize the behavior or attribute it to a temporary phase. However, this is the stage where gentle intervention can be most effective. Families can encourage open communication and express concern without accusation.
Stage 3: Risky Use
The person continues to use the substance despite negative consequences. They might engage in risky behaviors to obtain the substance, like stealing or neglecting responsibilities. At this point, the addiction starts causing significant problems in their personal and professional life. The recent Netflix series Baby Reindeer is a great example of understanding this stage.
Impact Families:
The cracks in the foundation start to show. Families might experience anger, frustration, and helplessness. Professional guidance and support groups can be helpful for families dealing with addiction at this stage.
Stage 4: Dependence
The person develops a physical dependence on the substance. They experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using, which makes it difficult for them to quit. Their focus becomes centered around obtaining and using the substance, and they start to neglect relationships and responsibilities.
Impact on Families:
This stage can be devastating. Families might experience emotional turmoil, financial strain, and social isolation. They may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and resentment. However, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care becomes crucial for their well-being.
Stage 5: Addiction
This is the main stage of the disease. The person loses control over their use and experiences certain consequences like legal trouble, health problems, or strained relationships. Their lives become progressively unmanageable, and the focus is solely on obtaining and using the substance.
Impact on Families:
This is another devastating stage for families. They might feel hopeless and powerless. It’s important to understand that addiction is not a character flaw. It’s better to avoid enabling behaviors but still offer support and encouragement. Professional help is essential at this stage.
Stage 6: Hitting Rock Bottom
This is a turning point where the consequences of addiction become so severe that the person confronts the reality of their situation. They might experience a legal result, a health scare, or the loss of a loved one, which forces them to consider change.
Impact on Families:
Although this can be a painful experience, it can also be an opportunity for intervention. Families can offer support and encourage the person to seek professional treatment, but the person should be committed to recovery.
Stage 7: Recovery
Recovery involves addressing the underlying causes of addiction, developing coping mechanisms, and building a support system. There will be setbacks, but with commitment and professional help, the person can achieve long-term recovery.
Impact on Families:
Recovery is a journey for the entire family. Learning about addiction, attending support groups for families, and practicing healthy communication are important for rebuilding trust and supporting their recovery phase.
Closing Thoughts
Understanding these stages of addiction helps families handle the difficult time with a stable mind. If you are struggling with a loved one’s addiction, reach out for help or a licensed therapist specializing in addiction. They can help you in every stage of recovery and understand the addiction process better.