Unfortunately, alcohol and drug abuse is a family affair too.

Drug abuse is a leading

cause of the breakdown of marriages. An alcohol or drug addiction of a parent is an
extremely important issue in any divorce case. Drug abuse directly influences the financial
and social aspects of a family.
There are also a number of environmental factors that increase the risk of addiction.
The most important of all, the influence of home environment and family is the most
important in the childhood. Parents or older family members who abuse drug can increase the
childs risk of developing their own drug problems. Furthermore, peer can be the greatest
influence during the adolescence. Encouragement from friends and to get immediate relief
from tension can be the reasons of drug abuse and addiction. In addition to this, academic
failure or poor social skills can put a child further at risk for drug abuse. The easy availability
of drugs, unemployment problem/economic insolvency, surrounding atmosphere, mental
stress and frustration due to various problems are also a contributor to drug abuse and
addiction.
People of all ages can suffer the harmful consequences of drug abuse and addiction.
Babies exposed to drug may be born premature and underweight. This drug exposure can
slow the childs intellectual development. Adolescents who abuse drug often act out, do
poorly in education and drop out of school. Adults who abuse drug often develop poor social
behavior and their work performance and personal relationships may suffer. Parents drug
abuse often cause stressful home, harm the well-being and development of the children and
may set the potential for drug abuse in the next generation.
Besides, changes in social behaviour involve:

Increased criminals

Deteriorated law and order situation and respect to elder

Increased personal and family expenditure

Loss of interest in education/ work

Change in morality

Unexpected changes in work attendance and quality of work.

Frequently borrowing money, selling possessions, stealing items from employer, home, or
school; or excessive spending of money with no reasonable explanation or nothing to
show for it.

Angry outbursts, mood swings, irritability, manic behaviour, or overall attitude change.

Expressing feelings of exhaustion, depression, and hopelessness

Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming

Health problems that impair family life and productive employment diminish the quality
of life and may threaten survival. Deaths as a result of drug abuse are a major source of
concern.
Childrens experience at home is the largest single factor in whether or not they will

have a drug or alcohol problem early in life. A majority of people in trouble with alcohol or
drugs were introduced to them at home. Families operate as a system in which each family
members behavior affects every other members behavior. The stress and pain from living in
a drug-affected family can lead to the abuse of substances by other family members.
It might be thought that an alcohol or drug problem belongs to the person who is
drinking or taking drugs. But if a family member has a problem, then all the family members
have a problem too. The abusers behavior affects all family members, producing painful and
difficult feelings in response. Family members of a substance abuser often experience:
Shame
Confusion
Anxiety
Frustration
Arguments
Depression
Distrust
Self-blame
Isolation
Guilt
Neglect

While the family group can, under certain circumstances, be the origin of drug
problems, it can also be a potent force for treatment.
Parents are the most effective force in preventing and reducing adolescent risky
behaviors and helping our nations youth lead healthy drug free lives. Parents should allow
children to make some of their own decisions, so that when faced with offers of drugs or
alcohol, they can resist pressure. They should also teach their children to cope with
frustration and stress. When their child is upset, help him or her to learn ways to feel better like talking about it, taking a walk, or relaxation techniques. Parents and other adults who
influence teen behaviour must talk to children/teens about misuse of prescription drugs in an
open and honest way. Research shows that children who learn about the dangers of drugs at
home are up to 50 percent less likely to use drugs than those who dont learn about these
dangers from their parents. In a major survey, thousands of teens reported that their biggest
reason for choosing not to drink or abuse drug is that their parents would be upset by it.
Several steps need to take place to enhance a familys role in preventing alcohol or
drug addiction. First, we must create family environments in which it is not acceptable to be
drunk or high on drugs. If a parent, other adult, or child has an alcohol or drug problem,
someone must have the courage to address it. Even if the problem cannot be resolved right
away, family members must know that something is wrong, and the individual is trying to get
better. Since a majority of adults drink at least some alcohol, there needs to be a clear pattern
of behavior that shows the difference between use and abuse. We must talk clearly to them
about our expectations that they not drink, smoke, or take drugs but our own behavior is
much more influential than our words. Adults must model what they want youth to become.
If you have a family member who is addicted to alcohol or drugs, it is strongly
recommended that you seek professional help for coping with the issues and difficulties of
living with an addict.
It is important to take notice of these advices while solving the drug abuse problem.

Stay calm
Avoid labeling the person an alcoholic or addict
Cite specific incidents resulting from the persons substance abuse
Talk in I statements, explaining how the persons behavior has affected you (for e.g.

saying When you use drug, I really upset and cant sleep at night.)
Be prepared for denial and resentment
Be supportive and hopeful about change