10 Things Everyone Hates About Addiction

Some addicts mistakenly believe that they are only hurting themselves. They don’t see or are too involved with their own issues to recognize that their family members are suffering.  For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of 10 things everyone hates about addiction.

Things Everyone Hates About Addiction

You may be having some of these thoughts about the addict in your life:

Your friend or loved one fails to show up for dinner or the movie you planned to attend.  Or, they show up, but they’re high or drunk. It’s probably not the first time, and most likely won’t be the last.

Time after time, you’re told that your friend or loved one has gotten sober, only to discover that they either lied or relapsed.  You’re disappointed because you really wanted to believe things had changed. It takes time, but you eventually learn to put more faith in the person’s actions than their words.

It’s not easy to tell someone you love that you will no longer provide for them if they continue the drug or alcohol use.  Many parents and spouses are enabling the addict in their lives in this way. They believe the promises, give them another chance, and the cycle never ends.

After being repeatedly let down, lied to, manipulated, stolen from, and hurt, it’s understandable that you are angry.  Over time, the anger festers and feels like hate. You don’t want to see the person or even hear his or her name.

If you’ve had to resort to this tactic, you will feel awful and guilty and may second guess your decision.  But, you are important, too. You have to look out for your best interest. Sadly, far too many people find that everything they loved about their life is in shambles because of a loved one’s addiction.

You’ve heard the statistics about overdoses or accidents that happen because of addiction.  So, every time the phone rings, you wonder if it’s going to be bad news. Did your loved one die in some terrible way because of their drug use?  Or, are they in jail? The anxiety takes a toll on you after a while.

Drug or alcohol abuse can change a person dramatically.  A once bubbling personality can become one of despair.  The once attentive and loving person you knew is now distant and neglectful.

If your addicted loved one is struggling with the effects of addiction, it’s hard not to feel guilty about having a successful, happy life.  You don’t want to appear boastful and proud to one whose life is falling apart. So, you downplay your success and are robbed of your right to brag a little.

Humans tend to be judgemental, especially when it comes to addiction.  It’s not unusual for them to assume that if one family member is addicted, the others are addicts, also. This is just one more way that the addict spreads pain and suffering to their spouses or children.

Most of the time, you don’t want to talk to anyone about your situation with the addict.  You’re afraid you’ll be judged or pitied, and that no one would truly understand what you’re going through.  You often feel isolated and helpless.

These are some of the most common things everyone hates about addiction.  No one wants to deal with these feelings, but they are forced to endure them because of an addict in their life.  The good news is, there are many support groups and counseling available to help you learn how to cope with the things everyone hates about addiction.