Is Substance Use Harming Your Relationship?

COVID-19 has stressed out a lot of relationships. Many people have had a lot to deal with. For many of us, our relationships look different this year. Recent economic hardships strain some families. Financial woes, medical worries, care taking responsibilities, and other social problems ushered in by the pandemic have left many people beyond stressed. It's no surprise that more people seem to be using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress. But is your substance use harming your relationship?

Substance Use as a Coping Skill

For many people, substance use has become a coping skill to deal with the pandemic's worries and stresses. Sadly, this isn't a sustainable coping method. People who use drugs and alcohol to cope eventually develop a tolerance for the substance. This means they need more of the drug to get the same effects. Usually, there will be a withdrawal effect if a person addicted to a drug can't get a certain amount of it every day.

If you're using drugs or alcohol as a coping skill, you probably know it's not healthy. You may have tried to limit how much you use or quit altogether. If this sounds like you, you may have a substance use disorder (SUD). It's a treatable condition that is associated with addiction and sometimes other mental health disorders. The good news is that recovery is possible, and you don't have to do it alone.

When You're Using Substances, You're Not Fully Present

Even if you feel that you're playing the right roles in your relationships, substance use and addiction harm relationships. While you're not responsible for your substance use disorder (SUD), you are responsible for your recovery.

Being fully both physically present and emotionally present in both your romantic and family relationships is essential. This is especially true during times of struggle. Your family and loved ones want to be able to rely on you. People need to connect with other people. Using substances tunes others out especially loved ones and can make them feel more isolated and afraid for your welfare.

You may have family members who make sacrifices to enable you or children affected by your substance use. Your family members may worry about you. Or you may leave responsibilities to others while you're getting high. People who use substances are also more at-risk for COVID-19 complications in addition to the risk of overdose and health problems. Addiction isn't a fun disease; it's progressive and can be fatal.

We are Here to Help if SUD is an Issue in Your Relationship

If you or a loved one struggles with substance use, we're here to help you get the help you need. Addiction is a family disease that affects everyone. We're here to help you get back on your feet and make a recovery plan.

We want to help you reclaim your life and have more fulfilling personal relationships.

Not sure where to start or what help is available? We're here to guide you. Get in touch at 619-452-1200 to learn more about how we can help.