Did you know that friends and family members are deeply affected when a loved one has an addiction? The choices made by the person’s behaviour can have far reaching consequences on the people around them.
Significant others may experience:
- Denial or attempts to cover up
- Self-blaming, shame, or a sense of responsibility to fix problem
- Fear for their safety
- Symptoms of anxiety and/or depression
- Financial stress
- Self-medicating as a means of coping
An example: “You have lots of your own feelings about it, and then lots of feelings for your loved one. How is this going to affect their life? What’s going to happen to them? There are so many things that just come pouring in. And you have concerns for their siblings, for your other children . . . it can affect so many people.”
We see what we want to see.
Significant others find themselves coping with their loved ones’
choices. The impact can be detrimental. Let’s offer support instead of criticism.
To get help for you or someone you care about, call 1-800-565-8603 or go to
www.connexontario.ca. Many services are free and help is available.
Brought to you by the Addictions Awareness Committee of Simcoe Muskoka:
Part of the Simcoe Muskoka Alcohol and Other Drugs Strategy.