What Families Should Know About Addiction In An LGBTQ+ Individual

What Families Should Know About Addiction In An LGBTQ+ Individual

When addiction affects an LGBTQ+ loved one, the family often feels helpless and unsure where to turn. They worry about finding support that truly understands their loved one's struggles. The fear of judgment, rejection, or ineffective treatment can be overwhelming. Addiction can isolate the LGBTQ+ individual from their true self and loved ones, leaving families wrestling with questions: What happened to the person they once knew? How can they reach them again? And where do they even begin?"

Addiction In An LGBTQ+ Person: A family Problem

An LGBTQ+ family member struggling with addiction affects everyone in the family. This is because the loved ones' dependence on the substance causes damage to their family’s dynamics, communication breakdowns, and trust erosion, impacting the person’s physical and mental well-being. This could further result in a significant amount of emotional distress and a feeling of hopelessness for the members of the family. The emotional impact can be immense, with family members experiencing a mix of worry, anger, sadness, and confusion. The strain can also test the resilience of the family unit, sometimes leading to conflicts and misunderstandings. Acknowledging the impact on everyone involved is a step towards finding a way to move forward collectively. When families see queer loved ones caught in the grips of addiction or substance abuse, they may feel like they’re at a loss. Yet, by being supportive and involved, families can play a significant role in their LGBTQ+ loved one’s treatment process. The role of families in recovery is notable and key.

The Effects Of the LGBTQ+ Individual's Addiction On the Family

Just like addiction causes a variety of effects on the LGBTQ+ person using substances, it also leads to several effects on the family. The exact outcomes depend on what the LGBTQ+ family member is addicted to, the age of the individual, or whether the individual lives with other family members. Not all families experience the same effects, but oftentimes they are at least somewhat similar.

• Financial Hardship
  Supporting a queer person struggling with addiction isn't cheap. Often, the whole family takes on the financial responsibility for the addicted family member, especially as the LGBTQ+ person channels all their money toward getting the substances they need, leaving little for basic necessities. They may have a hard time keeping a job, so they ask the family members for money, shelter, food, or other forms of support. It doesn't end here, as they may even need help paying for a treatment facility or other program. Additionally, family members may find themselves paying for lawyers or posting bail if legal troubles arise.

• Increased Risk of Abuse
  As addiction progresses, LGBTQ+ individuals may become unpredictable and difficult to deal with, exhibiting erratic behavior, frustration, and anger. This can lead to lashing out at loved ones, especially family members, who may bear the brunt of their emotional distress. This volatile environment creates a perfect storm, increasing the likelihood of substance-fueled outbursts and aggressive behavior. Consequently, family members are at a higher risk of experiencing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, with a greater likelihood of violence in their own home.

• More Addiction in The Family
  Another impact of the queer person’s addiction on the family unit is the chance that another family member will also turn to substances. LGBTQ+ people who grow up with another LGBTQ+ family member that uses substances are more likely to turn to substances. They follow the example set for them by other LGBTQ+ family members and might use the substances to escape the chaos in their house. Oftentimes, substance use “runs” in families. The chances of having more than one queer person in a family struggling with addiction are high. This creates another pattern of substance addiction, and the cycle starts all over again.

• Broken Families
  The effects of addiction tear families apart. An LGBTQ+ person who struggles with addiction usually pushes their family members to their limits. This leads to severed relationships and broken families. Some families may only tolerate the queer person for a short while before they decide to cut them from their life, so long as they’re in active addiction. Furthermore, the addiction can also create rifts among family members, with some struggling to maintain a relationship while others advocate for distance. Over time, this strain can erode the bonds that once held the family together, and as a result, the family's foundation and sense of unity can become severely compromised.

Receive Addiction Help at Q Space Detox

If you or your LGBTQ+ family member is suffering from a substance use disorder, it’s time to find solutions to the substance use. At Q Space Detox, we provide a wide range of treatment options, such as outpatient treatment and other therapy options. Don’t wait; give us a call today at 305-745-7768! Get started on your journey towards sobriety.