Empowering families affected by substance use

The losses related to a person’s substance use problem are far reaching. They extend beyond the person to the person’s partner, parents, children, siblings, other relatives, friends, colleagues, neighbours and others.

Some effects of substance use on families may include:

denying or minimizing the problem
focusing mainly on the person using substances
changing and unpredictable roles within relationships
trying to rescue and protect the person using substances
difficulties performing regular responsibilities (e.g., work)
deteriorating family relationships and conflict
trying to monitor, control and change the person using substances
losing trust in the person using substances
withdrawing and social isolation
losing security or safety (e.g., financial security or physical safety)
abuse and manipulation by the person using substances
neglecting yourself and burnout.