The strain caused by drug and alcohol misuse can wreak havoc on even the most peaceful, loving homes. Browse readings and publications that explore how relationships are impacted when a member of the family struggles with substance use disorder.
Resources on the impact of substance use disorder on relationships
Addict in the Family: Stories of Loss, Hope, and Recovery by Beverly Conyers
Witnessing a family member’s or loved one’s addiction is a heart-rending experience. But hope can prevail, as shown in this compelling book. In Addict in the Family, the stories of fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters of addicts offer important lessons on loving, detachment, intervention, and self care.
Addict in the House: A no-nonsense family guide through addiction and recovery by Robin Barnett EdD LCSW
Everyone is affected when there’s an addict in the family. Written by an expert in addiction and recovery, this no-nonsense guide helps you take an honest look at how addiction has impacted the family, cope with the emotional hurdles of having an addicted family member, create and maintain firm boundaries, and make informed decisions about how to help your loved one.
Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction by David Sheff
Before Nic became addicted to crystal meth, he was a charming boy, joyous and funny, a varsity athlete and honor student. After meth, he was a trembling wraith who lied, stole, and lived on the streets. David Sheff traces the first warning signs. His preoccupation with Nic became an addiction in itself, but, as a journalist, he researched every treatment that might save his son and refused to give up on him.
Don’t Let Your Kids Kill You: A Guide for Parents of Drug and Alcohol Addicted Children by Charles Rubin
The roller coaster ride of addiction doesn’t only affect the drug user; it affects the entire family – especially the parents. In Don’t Let Your Kids Kill You, Charles Rubin reminds parents that their lives are as important as their child’s, and that self-care isn’t selfish, but absolutely necessary. This book is a guide to healing and living a better life for those who so desperately need it.
Enriching Your Relationship with Yourself and Others by Sharon Loeschen
The author breaks down the power of Virginia Satir’s work in a clear and easy to understandable way. If you’re looking for a clear way to build a better relationship with yourself and others, this is the book to read.
The Laundry List by Tony A with Dan F
This book provides insight and meaning for the adult child of an alcoholic and addict. Tony is the Co-Founder of Adult Children of Alcoholics and provides insight into the struggles of a child raised in a dysfunctional home. The authors explore how these experiences profoundly impact the affected person’s relationships with others.
The Protector: A Father’s Insightful and Passionate Journey Through Family Crises by Richard M. Dressler
Believing the benefit outweighs the risk, Dick Dressler, a financial planner and insurance specialist, arrives at the doorstep of a drug dealer. With the same matter-of-fact manner he would display in presenting a pension plan to a client, he cleans up a mess created by his oldest son. The caretaker of his family, Dick manages one crisis after the other, one day at a time.
Tips for practice: Embracing growth by Jeanne Schultz
In an honest and provocative article, Jeanne explores the many things she and her son have in common – brown hair, friendly smiles, a love of adventure and the outdoors, and a propensity towards depression. For the last 15 years, between the two of them, they battled codependency, disordered eating, substance use disorder, alcoholism, and related behavioral health issues.