9781422282472

CHAPTER ONE

A FAMILY DISORDER

We often think of addiction as a personal problem. After all, drugs and alcohol can harm someone’s physical, mental, and emotional health. But rarely do we consider how misuse affects the people who are close to the user. Friends might get hurt, because people struggling with addiction might act in ways they normally wouldn’t in order to cover up their use. Relationships with teachers can suffer, especially if the user stops caring about attending school or doing homework. Above all, the person’s family might suffer, because they are the ones closest to the problem. Whether the user is a parent, teen, relative, or spouse or partner, addictive behavior can change the entire family dynamic. For example, if the person tells lies to cover up an addiction, it can create feelings of distrust and distance. Heightened emotions can disrupt a family’s sense of balance. Family members may find themselves covering for the user, lying to themselves and to others to protect the family’s reputation or

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