Here’s how addiction can impact each branch of the family tree and what you can do to put an end to this family crisis.
If You’re the Parent with Addiction
Life is hard. It’s even harder when you have kids. It’s understandable to want to unwind with alcohol or pills, but there are healthier ways to relax.
To you, it may not seem like your use is a big deal — but each day you use, you deny your child the parent they need right now: someone present, who makes them feel safe, worthy, and loved.
If you don’t address it, you could risk losing custody, legal trouble, or your child running away or harming themself.
The fact that you’re reading this means you’re looking to change. At Brooks Healing Center, we’re here to help you get better so you can be present with your family again.
Addiction’s Impact on Marriage or Relationships
Your spouse or partner is your teammate, and teammates look out for each other. If you’re frequently under the influence, how much are you contributing to the team?
Like children, a spouse should feel safe, valued, and loved — and your relationship is the one your children see and may later imitate. Is your relationship one you’d want them to copy?
How This Hurts Your Spouse
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Emotional distress
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Fear of the addict
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Financial problems
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Trust issues
If the One You Love is an Addict
Relationships are built on sticking together through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. We’re here to help you.
When the Child Is an Addict
From family history to peer pressure at school, it’s a loving parent’s nightmare to watch their child suffer with substance use.
How This Hurts the Parents
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Emotional distress
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Shame and judgment
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Financial problems and control struggles
If addiction is causing strife, Brooks offers services for the whole family.
If Your Child Is Battling Addiction
As much as you want to remove their pain, your child has to overcome this themselves. Encourage professional help and seek your own support and peace while they recover.
If You Are the Child with an Addiction
Everyone makes mistakes, especially while figuring out who you are. You may feel ashamed or afraid of disappointing others. If you have caring parents or other supportive relatives, ask for help. Even if you don’t, you can still overcome this.
How This Hurts Siblings
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Lack of support
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Internalizing emotions
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Unhealthy family roles
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Pressure to be perfect
If you’re the sibling:
You deserve love and attention too. You can do well in life without guilt; take care of yourself first.
Why Families Hide Addiction
Families may feel pressure to appear “perfect.” There’s fear of judgment, losing children, legal trouble, stigma, and burdening others.
People often believe they must handle issues alone, which leaves them suffering in silence. Asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s courage.
Brooks Healing Center is built on compassionate, growth-oriented care for the human, not just the addiction.
Breaking the Cycle & Getting Treatment
Each of our staff members understands your pain and will help you build healthy habits, essential life skills, and coping strategies.
Depending on your plan, you may attend therapy and/or our 12-Step program at our recovery center in rural Tennessee.
Call 931-486-8824 or fill out the form to start your recovery journey.