When an individual is hooked on addiction, the crave for alcohol and drugs never seems to die down, and this intense need has the ability to trump the love which they have for everything. It first starts with an innocent use for either drugs or alcohol, and before they know it, using this substance becomes topmost priority, and hence causing a strain on those they love.
Addiction has the capacity to greatly change the personality of an individual, making them different from who they used to be before they got addicted. They become more withdrawn to themselves, and because of shame and guilt, they become more secretive.
There are three major effects which substance addiction has on a relationship, and they are as follows:
- Trust fades off: When the addiction phase is in progress, trust begins to decline, and this is due to the fact that the addicted person begins to hide things from their partner, and begin to give all sorts of excuses for their uncalled-for behaviour. Trust is a necessary ingredient in a relationship, and once it is strained, it would be hard to fix because it induces feelings of jealousy and fear.
- Unstable Emotional levels: When you are in a relationship with a person who has an addiction, it can be likened to being in a vehicle, taking down rough terrains and smooth ones alike. There are times when they would feel good, and other times, they would feel otherwise. They are usually very volatile, and their lives are contained with erratic lows and highs, which could induce violence in a relationship. This is usually due to the fact that they are unable to see beyond the choices which the substance gives them.
- Affects those around them: Asides the fact that it affects both parties in a relationship, addiction also has the capacity to affect people around them. It would be difficult for them to maintain a good communication level with people close to them.
If you are in a relationship with an addict, it is best to assist them in seeking help, so that they can break free from it, before it adversely affects your relationship.