Addiction in Families

Addiction in Families

Introduction

Addiction is related to the brain. The process happens in a way that when addictive substances are used, the chemicals from those substances affect the brains limbic system which creates the sense of pleasure and sensation. As the sensation eases, the brain still has the urge to get the stimulation that will produce the same sensational effects. Thus, the individual has to consume even higher quantities of the substance in order to maintain the desired level of sensation. This process leads to addiction of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, etc. Typically, the person addicted to such substances finds it difficult to get rid of it because of this sensational effect (James, 2008).

Addiction is not something that happens once and then fades away. Once addicted, the person will remain addicted to the substance for the rest of his life unless he makes an effort to quit this habit. Getting rid of such habits are difficult but there are several examples of people making an effort and managing to free themselves from addiction.

Addicted Families

Families get addicted when its members start the consumption of harmful substances one by one. As the habit spreads from individual to individual, the situation gets uncontrollable to an extent that they openly begin the consumption of these substances. This leads to a disastrous situation where it becomes difficult to bring the family back to normal. The process of getting the whole family addicted is slow but its impact is long lasting. It all starts with just one member using these substances and gradually others are lured into the act. Hence, after sometime, everyone in a family may be affected by substances that can ruin their lives.

Other ways of helping such families is to get one senior member to quit who can then use his influence in the family to control the use of these substances. In order to such methods to be successful, the person will have to be properly educated and treated in the first place.

Interventions for Addicted Families

In order to get rid of the menace from the family, the members need to realize that it is important to detach themselves from the use of the substance and this can only happen if they make an effort to achieve their goals. When this happens, some family members may opt out of the substance abuse while others will not. This will result in hate and fights within ...