Addictions and Substance Abuse

Addiction and/or substance abuse can begin to rule your life. No one 'plans' to become an addict/alcoholic, but there are ways to treat it. Everything becomes unmanageable: your job, your relationship, your motivation... and others may feel anger/resentment because they just don't understand...

Addiction in the family involves the family because there is usually denial, anger, and resentment. Most family members believe that an addict/alcholic can just stop the bad behavior.

The behavior, in essence, becomes a vicious cycle; the addict blames others and others become resentful and begin to believe it is their fault. They begin to think they are the cause for the addiction! The reality of the situation becomes very distorted; it's like a seasaw - a couple of days may be clean and sober and then, the disappointment and anger begin to set in when the addict/alcoholic starts using again.

There is help for the addict, the abuser, and the family! Learn how to break the vicious cycle. Don't worry if your addict/alcoholic refuses treatment. This is common, however, you should come to therapy to learn better tools and techniques to deal with the situation.