The Family Guide to Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Mental health and substance abuse issues can take a toll on a family. Not knowing what to expect from a loved one’s behavior or becoming the target of someone’s pain and anger has adverse effects for years to come.

Learning how to tackle mental health and substance abuse head-on with knowledge, mercy, healing, and Christ’s love can be the catalyst to leaving a legacy of peace instead of pain.

Educate the family on mental health and substance abuse

Often, mental health and substance abuse issues coexist. Mental health is the emotional and mental well-being of an individual. It includes the cognitive (how they think, remember, and solve problems) and the social (how they interact with others).

Substance abuse is the addiction to any substance, typically drugs or alcohol, that causes negative behavior. The individual is aware of the detrimental effects of substance abuse but cannot stop the urge and behavior.

Mental health can influence and trigger substance abuse, whereas substance abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Educating yourself and your family on both mental conditions can give you insight into your loved one’s behavioral patterns and thought processes.

Seek support for your family

You and your family should not be managing a loved one’s mental health and substance abuse alone. Seek support for your family from local and online resources. Christian counseling is an option for believers who desire evidence-based psychology methods combined with faith-based principles.

As Christians, we know that this world is fallen, and we seek to see the world through an eternal lens of faith. Christian counseling addresses every aspect of a family, encompassing emotional, mental, social, physical, and spiritual needs.

Treatment centers and group meetings are another option if your loved one is willing to participate. These facilities can offer education and support to the family. Treatment centers are usually short or long-stay facilities for people struggling with mental health and substance abuse.

Group meetings are led by either a mental health care practitioner or a recovered patient with a long history of sobriety. These meetings can be found locally or online and may meet a few days a week to once a month, depending on the group.

Help your family members see the ripple effect

Mental health and substance abuse impact the family in a ripple effect. The individual may believe that their actions are only hurting themselves, but the reality is much deeper.

They are losing the trust of their family and at work Coworkers and employers can no longer trust them to show up for work on time, be presentable, or manage projects and deadlines in a timely manner.

They are eroding a sense of safety within the family Spouses and children should feel safe at home. When a loved one is struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues, safety and security can become lost.

Their family walks on eggshells around them No one should live in fear of those they love. Children, husbands, or wives should not have to walk on eggshells, afraid of the next outburst.

Their family is witnessing a decline in their physical, emotional, and cognitive health Watching someone you love slowly decline is hard, especially for children. It lays a foundation of chronic stress and trauma.

The family is under financial strain Addiction can add an unbearable economic burden to a family that may already be scraping by. Money that should be used for shelter, food, and basic needs can be squandered to fuel substance abuse.

They are creating a legacy for their children that may one day harm them Generational behavioral patterns are real. Children can grow up to either display the behaviors and addictions they witnessed or grow up to avoid these behaviors at all costs, perhaps even shaming or condemning others.

They are not fulfilling their roles in the family Spouses may need to take on more responsibility in the home and family due to a loved one being unable to function. Children are often placed into the role of caregiver for parents with substance abuse issues.

They may become abusive Abuse should not be tolerated, whether physical, emotional, or sexual. If you are in an abusive relationship due to mental health and substance abuse, seek help immediately.

They may commit adulteryPeople with substance abuse issues may engage in risky behaviors, including infidelity and affairs. This behavior breaks the trust between husband and wife.

They may steal To feed their addiction, individuals may steal from others. This includes their own family members, employers, and stores.

They move farther away from God as they use addiction to fill the emptiness Without treatment, people with mental health and substance abuse issues will continue a downward spiral away from biblical principles and God’s love. They need to be met where they are and met with Jesus’ grace and love.

Just like throwing a pebble into a pond, these ripples continue outward until they reach every family member, friend, and job. Speaking to a loved one about the effects of their mental health and substance abuse is not easy.

Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to keep your loved one from becoming defensive. If you are worried about how your loved one will react, have several people with you before confronting them, and know who to call in an emergency.

Know who to call in a crisis

Confronting a loved one about mental health and substance abuse can create tension in the home, but it is often necessary. Having support from professionals or access to support can help you through this season.

Know who to call in times of crisis, whether that is intervention, relapse, or other issues. Besides 911, keep other phone numbers handy, such as emergency numbers, the hospital, local police, the treatment doctor, and a suicide crisis line.

Arrange for childcare if there are children in the home. Is there someone you can call to take the children to a safe place in case of an emergency? Confirm with this person that you can rely on them.

Care for your own physical and mental health

Taking care of a loved one with mental conditions and addiction can negatively affect your own health. Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout are common for caregivers, and basically, that is the role you undertake during your loved one’s treatment.

Physical health can also take a turn for the worse. You might develop high blood pressure, unbalanced blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, gastrointestinal issues, and headaches. Consult your physician to rule out any medical problems. Once clear, aim to prioritize your health with exercise, nutrition, pleasurable activities, and rest.

Look to God for direction and strength

God is with you even during the challenging times. Remember that your story is a testimony to bring others to Christ. Look to God for direction and strength. Memorize or carry Scripture with you to pray over your loved one, ensuring that you claim God’s word over your situation. The Bible has a way of filling in the gap when we are anxious or scared.

Joshua 1:9 states, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (NIV) You can be a witness to your loved one and family. Seek support from others caring for a loved one with addiction issues or your church family.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment

You and your family are not alone when it comes to the struggle of mental health and substance abuse. God wants your loved one to walk in freedom, and for those chains to be broken off you as well. Contact our office today to schedule a session with a Christian counselor. Your counselor can offer individual, family, and counseling for children and teens to suit your family and circumstances best.

Your family can heal from the trauma and pain of mental health and substance abuse. Reach out to us today at Texas Christian Counseling.