Alcohol and drug addictions are more likely than not to cause dysfunctional family relationships. A dysfunctional family is one in which the abuse of one or more family members causes others to make accommodations for their actions. Reading this definition, it is easy to see how it’s so strongly related to addiction. The individual with an alcohol or drug abuse problem disrupts the other’s lives greatly. Loved ones engage in patterns of enabling and codependency, which make it easier for the addict to continue destructive behaviors. They make excuses for the addict’s actions. Family members don’t do this intentionally, but it is a natural reaction.

Drug and alcohol abuse cause an inconsistent or chaotic lifestyle. The family may become isolated from others to hide the addiction. Children might act like parents, and parents may manipulate the children. Individuals are in denial about the addiction. Some of the greatest effects are on the children in a family with alcohol or drug abuse. If it began when they were young, they might not know any other way of living. They adopt a role to deal with the substance addiction and develop a long list of emotional problems that can stick with them for a very long time. In the worst situations, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse exist.

Mental illness is another common cause of dysfunctional families. When a person has a mental illness along with alcoholism or drug addiction, it’s called a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis is just that much more difficult for the addict to overcome, as well as for the family to deal with.

There is always hope for dysfunctional family relationships to improve. Some people find it’s helpful to get the entire family involved in a twelve-step program. There is also family counseling. Of course, the addict should get treatment from a rehab facility.