The impact of the cycle of addiction on families cannot be understated. Studies have shown that children exposed to substance abuse by their parents are more likely to engage in substance abuse themselves. This pattern of substance abuse and behaviors influences more than the individual who is struggling. It also impacts the next generation that observes these behaviors. Although family members may not want to negatively impact their loved ones in such a way, breaking the cycle of addiction cannot occur without professional help and the willingness to change.
This willingness to change is perhaps one of the most important steps in breaking the cycle of addiction. Stigma, shame, and fear of judgment often prevent families from seeking help. Some families may choose to ignore the problem in the hopes that things will work out in the end. Those who want to break the cycle of addiction can face opposition from their families, who may want to keep “family matters” private. In such a case, it is the whole family that needs help, but change cannot happen instantaneously.
That’s why at Driftwood Recovery, we offer whole family care to assist individuals and families in breaking the cycle of addiction. With a focus on quality and compassionate treatment and the Courageous Family program, anyone can get the care they need to break the cycle once and for all. To truly break the cycle of addiction, families must discover what perpetuates this cycle and stop it.
What Begins the Cycle of Addiction in Families?
Addiction, at its heart, is a response to pain. This pain can result from trauma, stress, loneliness, the environment, or as a result of a medical or mental health issue. Family history and genetics can also play a role in addiction, as well as social and peer pressure. This is not different for families, who may turn to substance use and abuse as a form of self-medication. Such behavior is observed by subsequent children, who may grow up believing that this behavior is normal and an appropriate way to cope with stress and pain. They, in turn, model this behavior to their children, perpetuating the cycle.
Aspects like generational trauma cannot be dismissed in their role in the cycle of addiction. One traumatized parent may inadvertently place the results of their trauma on their children, and so forth. This trauma can then pass through multiple generations of people, which can be difficult for children to process.
Being exposed to substances such as drugs and alcohol can give children access to them at an early age. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has reported that in 2023, about one in 100 adolescents ages 12 to 13 drank alcohol in the past month. Though this can be attributed to peer pressure, some underage drinking can be the result of observed behaviors.
Challenges Faced by Individuals Breaking Away From Addiction
As mentioned before, it can be difficult to break the cycle of addiction. An individual must first realize that something is wrong and be willing to accept professional help. When substance use and abuse are normalized in the family, it can be hard to notice that there is a problem. Once the individual decides to get help, they then have to contend with their families, who may not be supportive. Shame may cause families to refuse treatment so they can deny that there is a problem. One person deciding to break the cycle of addiction can have a cascade effect. It forces change even if it is uncomfortable or scary.
Individuals with families who outright refuse to change may face a future without them. It’s okay to cut off toxic individuals from your life if they threaten your safety and well-being. In this situation, Driftwood Recovery assists in the creation of a found family in the form of a support network. This is a support network of peers and loved ones that encourage recovery and accountability, preserving recovery progress.
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
Before you can help someone else, you must first help yourself. That is why airlines tell you to put an oxygen mask on yourself before assisting someone else. An individual must get treatment first and achieve a state of stable sobriety before they try to assist their family. Of course, therapies such as family therapy and the Courageous Family program can help bridge the gap and foster understanding in families. Using these therapies and programs can help families realize that they have a problem and seek further treatment. This includes therapies such as psychotherapy or trauma-based therapy.
As for the individual, they will get the Driftwood Recovery approach to addiction treatment, which is a combination of evidence-based holistic and clinical therapies. For individuals breaking the cycle of addiction, care is taken to improve their self-esteem and teach healthy coping skills. As mentioned before, a peer network is vitally important, and time is taken to establish one while at Driftwood Recovery. Relapse prevention is also utilized to help clients recognize when their recovery is in danger and what steps to take to prevent it.
It can be hard to break the cycle of addiction, especially if you are doing so alone. However, it’s always possible to break this cycle and protect future generations from the dangers of addiction. Sometimes, it takes one person recognizing that there is a problem and seeking help from others to recognize that positive change is possible. So be the change, and reach out for help today.
Addiction can become deeply rooted within a family, causing a loop or cycle that affects each generation. Breaking this cycle of addiction takes a lot of work and professional help, and it is usually started by one individual deciding to make a change. At Driftwood Recovery in Driftwood and Austin, Texas, we help families break the cycle of addiction by providing quality addiction treatment and familial support. With programs such as the Courageous Family program and continuous alumni support, each client is given the tools they need to make successful and lasting changes. If you or your loved ones are struggling with addiction, don’t wait to break the cycle. Start your recovery journey today by calling (512) 759-8330.