The Impacts of Drug use on Families

In what ways does opioid dependency and drug use alter family relationships and dynamics? The harmful spiral effects of opioid use can destroy families, communities and societies. This post is meant to bring up the topic and create an awareness of the issue.

When I was younger, in my twenties, I became addicted to opioid painkillers. I was prescribed the painkillers after a surgery, as per standards. What started at 2 pills/day quickly turned into 30+ pills per day before I even knew it. I realized and understood that I had a problem, but I couldn't stop. The addiction was psychological and physical. The problem was the withdrawal. Addicts will do anything to keep from withdrawal. I had easy access to the drugs: Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin and fentanyl. I recall how my use of drugs changed me for the worse. I recall how it deteriorated my health. I also recall how the drug use almost completely destroyed my family.

It got to the point that everything I did, I needed to be high.

Although I knew that the addiction was my fault, I tended to divert the blame. I continued living my life, on drugs, as if it was a completely normal thing to do so. I remember going to college, making sure I had my bottle of pills on me, at least 50, and being high all day while in class. Being on the painkillers was part of life, similar to being on prescription meds, except I wasn’t on prescription meds. The pills initially gave me a feeling of euphoria, but that feeling quickly subsided. I’m not sure how I got through life high all day, but I did somehow. I recall taking long drives to upstate NY and NJ, while high on drugs.

I know the feeling of what it’s like. I always wanted to get off, to quit, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t really because of the withdrawal, and also because of the feeling it brought, but more so because of the withdrawal. I know how you may feel now sitting here reading this high while not wanting to be. I know it sucks, but I’m telling you that there’s hope. You can get off, and stay off.

We, as addicts, tend to blame other people for our problems. We also tend to cloister ourselves into this "hole" and think that nobody sees us while we hide from the world. The reality check is that everyone sees us, we're not fooling anyone. Everyone sees us behaving the way we do, and everyone knows what's going on. Sometimes people aren't sure exactly what it is, but for the most part people notice changes of behavioral patterns. I never thought that my actions impacted others, I still don't, but I realize that they do. It's time to hold yourself accountable for your actions and accept yourself as who you are, and be willing to change yourself for the better.

As an addict, clean for 10 years, I know first-hand how it feels and what it does. Lets talk more about overcoming your addiction. I know exactly what it's like to sit there at night in your depression. Let's talk more about it.

How has your addiction impacted your relationship with your family? How has it harmed you? How do you feel right now?

Answer here or email your response: [email protected]