04 Feb Breaking the Chain from Addiction Part 1
Many children that come through the foster system are often either victims of substance abusers or struggle with addiction themselves as a way of coping with trauma. Addiction is more prevalent in these cases, and it can even be due to genetics, leading to an endless cycle of substance abuse through generations. Addiction is a difficult disease to fight, especially for foster children who are unaware of resources available to them for treatment. There are countless resources to help fight the battle of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and heal the trauma that comes with it.
What is Addiction?
Addiction can begin in many ways: by influence, as a coping mechanism, medical treatment, early use, performance enhancement, etc. It is a “relapsing disease” that causes compulsive responses by searching for any outlet of relief, or to “feel better.” Substances that are often abused include alcohol, prescription drugs, recreational drugs, food, exercise, and so on. Too much of anything can lead to addiction, but there are certain substances or practices that can lead to deadly and dangerous consequences.
What Does Addiction Do to the Brain?
Addiction can cause lifelong health defects if not treated and maintained before a certain length of time has passed. Eventually, the body will stop responding to natural pleasures properly and will require additional aid (substances) to feel something. The brain becomes dependent on the substance to feel at ease when needing relief from overwhelming emotions, such as stress. It becomes a primary solution, causing further damage to the brain and continued dependency.
For younger substance users, if abuse forms as a result of consistent habit, parts of the brain that have yet to fully develop are negatively affected. This causes impaired abilities to complete tasks, deal with daily life problems, regulate emotions, and more. This is especially true for those who have experienced trauma in early childhood, as they are more prone to having increased negative effects to their brain development with the addition of substance abuse. Since children who have undergone trauma in their young lives are likely to develop substance abuse as a coping mechanism, or come from homes where substance abuse was present, it is important to be aware of these possible effects.
What also makes addiction so dangerous is after prolonged use, the brain will require more doses of the substance to get the same, or better feeling as before. This creates longer dependency, excess use with increased damage to the brain, and can lead to overdose. It is important to be aware of these possible consequences whether you are considering use or are already using substances, especially if you have addictive genes or risk factors present.
What is the Impact of Addiction on Relationships and Family?
1 in 8 children have parents who struggle with addiction, (AAC). Children living with parents who struggle with addiction are more prone to mental health struggles, neglect, abuse, developing unstable relationships, falling into the same pattern of substance abuse, and suffering many other lifelong effects. “In a study, known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), researchers looked at the long-term effects of childhood neglect and found that children who grew up in abusive home environments had a higher risk of developing chronic health problems as adults,” (AAC).
Family and intimate relationships are highly affected by addiction. With SUD, the need to abuse substances often rank as a higher priority than a relationship with loved ones. Someone struggling with addiction may dismiss the needs of a loved one, spend more time under the influence or seeking substances, be unable to spend time with one another without being under the influence, isolate themselves entirely from their relationships, etc. Many struggling with SUD have persistent conflict with their family or intimate partners. It is reported that more fighting goes on for couples and families with substance abuse in the household than those without.
It can also cause distress for those concerned for their loved ones suffering from SUD. This can take a toll on families and relationships as they try to get their loved one to seek help or to avoid risky behaviors. They experience the stress of wondering if their partner, relative, or friend is going to come home “wasted,” or will indulge when they get home and cause stress on the environment. Those struggling with addiction will often lie, gaslight, and manipulate their loved ones into thinking they “don’t have a problem” or are “not using” so they can continue their behaviors or avoid facing reality. This causes distance between everyone involved, and creates a lack of trust and ability to have healthy, reliable relationships.
It is better to seek help than harm yourself or those around you before the problems become too severe and cause permanent consequences. It is never too late to seek help. It is not easy work, but it sure is worthwhile.
Much of the information in this article is derived from the CTF Conference (Dr. Stephen Taylor).
Other Resources:
Children of Addicted Parents Guide. American Addiction Centers.
Signs and Symptoms of Addiction. American Addiction Centers.
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