Heroin and pioid addiction has reached epidemic levels in the United States. In addition to the devastating effect opiate addiction has on the individual, it also has a devastating effect on the person’s friends and family members. Unfortunately, the family members of opiate addicts often feel as though they have no way of helping their loved one break free from opiate addiction.
At the same time, families are also burdened with guilt, self-blame, and a sense of failure. The family member may feel as though they caused or contributed to the addiction of their friend or family member. Many family members of addicts overlook their own needs and seem to have their eyes set on helping the person get clean. But that only leads to stress and tension in the family. If you are a family member of an opiate addict, this article is for you. You will learn about the cost of opiate addiction to the family, the effects of opiate addiction on the family, and the treatment options that are available.
The Cost of Heroin Addiction
The true cost of heroin addiction is the burden it places on the addict and their loved ones. Before addicts can seek treatment, they have to first admit they have a problem. Once they begin to seek treatment, they have to deal with the stigma that still exists surrounding heroin and other opioid addictions. Once they start treatment, they have to deal with the rising cost of heroin, both in terms of purity and price. As people get hooked on heroin, they have to buy more and more expensive heroin to get the same “high.” By the end of treatment, most heroin addicts are paying thousands of dollars for their habit.
Opiate Addiction and the Family
People who struggle with heroin addiction may drag their loved ones into their problems. This can be especially dangerous for children, who are more susceptible to the dangers of drug use and addiction. The family members of heroin addicts can feel like hostages of the addiction. They may feel helpless, frustrated, and even angry, because they feel like they are unable to help the person struggling with addiction.
If you are a family member of an addict, you may feel frustrated and angry with your loved one. You may even blame yourself for the addiction. If you find yourself in these feelings, try to remember that you are not to blame. You are not an addict and you are not causing your loved one to become an addict.
Opiate Addiction and the Kids
The family members of heroin addicts may feel like the children are the ones who are suffering. The children are witnessing their parents’ pain and are often punished or disciplined for the addiction. Kids who experience parental addiction may feel confused or neglected.
They may have trouble understanding how to relate to their parents and may also feel unwanted. This can lead to school problems and other issues. Kids who grow up with parents who struggle with heroin addiction are more likely to use drugs themselves. They are also more likely to experience maltreatment and neglect at home.
Opiate Addiction and the Spouse
The spouse of an opiate addict may feel like a hostage in the relationship. After all, the addict frequently spends their money on drugs and has less to spend on the spouse. The spouse of an addict may also feel like they are the “bad guy” in the relationship. This is especially true if the spouse is addicted and trying to quit on their own. Your spouse may feel like they are causing the person they love to suffer. But that is not true.
Final Words: What You Can Do
If you are a family member of a heroin addict, you should know that the costs of heroin addiction are high. The personal costs are high, as well as the financial costs. The costs of a heroin addiction can be high, but they are not impossible to overcome. It is important to remember that heroin addiction is a disease. It affects the brain, and like any disease, there are treatment options available. It is important for family members of heroin addicts to understand the true costs of heroin addiction so they can better support the addict and their loved ones. It is also important for family members to remember that they are not responsible for an addict’s addiction.
Knoxville Recovery Center Can Help
Fortunately, help is available for those battling addiction and/or mental health issues. Knoxville Recovery Center offers various services to those struggling in any stage of addiction or mental illness.
Services offered:
Detox – Our on-site detox clinic accommodates and supports clients as the body sheds all residual traces of addictive substances. Clients are under medical supervision during the detox process to ensure that they remain safe and comfortable.
Addiction Treatment – During our addiction treatment program, clients will engage in introductory therapies and exercises that work to prepare them for continued, more intensive treatment outside of our facility. The goal of our addiction treatment track is to stabilize clients so that they are treatment-ready.
Mental Health Treatment – Our mental health treatment program introduces behavioral therapies rooted in self-expression and holistic exercise. Art therapy, music therapy, and yoga are just a few forms of therapy we offer at the center. Our goal is to help the client reclaim their voice and expose them to treatment within a professional facility.
Aftercare Planning – Aftercare is designed for individuals who have benefitted from our introductory addiction services and are transitioning into a more intensive addiction treatment program. Once a client is stabilized, they will be encouraged to pursue continued addiction treatment. Our experienced case managers will then work with our clients to place them in a If you feel that you or a loved one is struggling and needs help, our specialists are on standby and ready to help. Call Knoxville Recovery Center and speak with an expert today.
