Is Substance Abuse Interfering with Your Relationship?

Is Substance Abuse Interfering with Your Relationship? Since the beginning of the pandemic, many people have turned to alcohol or other drugs more frequently and in greater quantities to help them cope. There has been a significant increase in substance use disorders, as well as an increase in overdoses. These aren't just passing fads. They are made up of real people who are going through real problems. And, while COVID-19 restrictions are easing and life appears to be "getting back to normal," these issues are likely to persist. It is critical to recognise the signs of abuse. If your loved one (or you) has a substance abuse problem, consider the following: •You frequently argue about issues directly related to substance abuse. You may disagree about whether they are abusing a substance or whether their use is causing other problems, such as relationship tension. • Trust in your relationship vanishes. As the problems mount, so do the excuses. There are a plethora of reasons for being late, snapping and being easily irritated, or missing money. When trust deteriorates, other related issues emerge. Even if you spend time with the individual, you may feel isolated. • In general, your relationship is volatile. The person you care about may appear to be constantly on edge, overreacting to minor disagreements or even seemingly innocuous comments. If they believe you are viewing their substance use as a problem, they may react defensively and try to divert your attention elsewhere. Circular, tense, and perplexing conversations can be exhausting! • You don't have as much fun together as you used to. Even if your relationship isn't tense, you might notice that your loved one isn't as emotionally invested in life or as interested in activities as they once were. They may appear emotionally flat, depressed, or anxious in general, or they may have a tunnel-visioned focus on their "substance of choice." • You make fewer connections with others. Not only may they withdraw from you, but they may also withdraw from other people in their life. So, if you and your partner are friends with other couples, you may feel isolated from those friends. • You feel compelled to shield them from the consequences of their substance abuse. You care about them and don't want them to suffer. You could try to protect them from the harmful effects of their use in an effort to assist them. For example, you may make excuses for them when they miss work, cancel social plans, or fail to pay bills as a result of their use. You do this because you are sympathetic to their plight, but your sympathy is misplaced. You are reacting to their pain in the moment without considering the long-term pain they will face if they do not stop using. Only by experiencing this pain or difficulty will they be able to truly recognise that their use is a problem. You are enabling their continued use and removing their motivation to change by comforting them and making their life easier. If you suspect a loved one is abusing alcohol or another substance, you must try to talk to them about it. If they deny they have a substance abuse problem, you must decide how to proceed – either finding a way to continue the relationship or ending it. If they recognise the issue, you can collaborate on a plan to reduce their use and its negative impact on your relationship. When people are unable to control their use, professional assistance is required. Thanks for watching ❤ See U