Introduction
This review will focus on the effect of addiction on communication and relationship dynamics. Specifically, I will focus on three dynamics involving substance abuse and communication. First, I will discuss the relationship between an addict and their loved ones, including family members, friends, as well as significant others. Next, I will discuss the dynamic between addicts and healthcare providers before, during and after treatment. Finally, I will review the public perception of drug addicts and the effect the stigma has on the addicts themselves. Since addiction varies on many different levels, communication surrounding the disease is key in understanding it.
My reasons for choosing this topic of research are deeply personal. Addiction is prevalent in my family and I have witnessed many of my loved ones struggle with this disease; some of them still do. I also have several close friends, whether they are aware of it or not, who struggle with substance abuse. I work at a bar, which can be an extremely hostile environment for those who have a propensity for addiction. What I find most appalling about this illness is its prevalence in society, yet at the same time, the stigma that most people have surrounding it. Sometimes I will even hear comments from alcoholics about their disapproval of “hard drugs”. Perhaps this is a defense mechanism, but to me, whatever the substance is that you prefer, addiction is one illness. This review will focus on the characteristics of addiction and those effected on the whole. Different types of substances may affect people in different ways, but there are commonalities between addicts, despite their drug of choice, across the board. Through this review, I hope to shed a light on the realities of addiction, as well as to gain a better understanding of the communication styles that can be utilized in helping treat individuals effected.
The Effect of Addiction on the Individual
Addiction can be defined as pathologically pursuing and using drugs in order to achieve relief or reward (Holmes, 8). Addiction is classified as a chronic disease of the brain, occurring because drugs change the structure and operation of the brain. Although drug use is voluntary, genetics also play a large part in determining one’s likelihood of developing an addiction. The symptoms and characteristics of addiction can manifest themselves differently based on a number of factors such as how long one has been addicted, what substance they are addicted to, method of consumption, amount of consumption, as well as your genetic makeup and medical history. Symptoms are also both physical and psychological. The main physical symptom of addiction is usually referred to under one broad term called withdrawal. According to Homes, Withdrawal is your body’s physical reaction to being deprived of a certain substance it has become dependent on (8). The severity of a withdrawal is also dependent on factors such as how long one has been addicted, to what substance they are addicted to, and so on. However, the main characteristics of withdrawal are typically nausea and vomiting, headaches, cold sweats and disturbed sleep. Since addiction directly affects the brain, the symptoms are also largely psychological. These symptoms can include mood swings, an inability to concentrate, inability to refrain from using, and an inability to prioritize or recognize problems. Communication problems that arise are often related to the psychological symptoms of addiction. For example, one might constantly argue with a loved one or family member because of their increased irritability and mood swing. Another example might be that one loses their job and source of income if they show up to work under the influence because, to them, the drug is more important than their career. In the following sections, I will examine how different communication dynamics are impacted by the behavior of addicted individuals.
Communication with Family and Loved Ones
Many families have difficulty communicating openly and honestly in general, let alone when discussing the uncomfortable topic of communication. Every family has varying communication styles, which impacts how each family deals with the topic of substance abuse. According to Coates and Howe, family interaction was one of five major factors in the overall well-being and health of family members (487). Studies have shown that, in most drug addiction cases, families experience one of two communication dynamics. Those effected by addiction can either isolate themselves from their family or, on the other end of the spectrum, become even more dependent. The reason for an addicted individual to become more dependent is when another family member acts as an enabler. Enabling occurs when an individual removes the consequences that should occur from negative actions. To give a personal example, my aunt acted as an enabler during my cousin’s recovery. She would continually give him money and allow him to leave the house whenever he pleased. Enabling occurs because family members think that love and support is best shown through constant approval. However, research has shown that removing consequences only furthers addiction problems. Those suffering from addiction have chemical imbalances in their brains which disrupt the reward function of their brain. By allowing substance abusers to act negatively without consequence, their idea of action-reward is only more interrupted. Isolation of family members battling addiction occurs on the opposite end of the spectrum, where a family member is completely secluded from certain family members or all of them. What is interesting in my own family was the instance of my aunt, who enabled her son, also completely isolated her sister who also suffered from addiction. This illustrates my point of how different family dynamics greatly impact how one handles the communication regarding the topic of substance abuse.
Significant others also bear a large burden when dealing with a drug addicted family member. Many communication issues can arise because, often times, significant others believe that their partner should value their relationship over anything else. To reiterate, addicts do not have a grasp on this significance of real problems in their lives. The difference in priorities creates a communication disconnect. Because of this, it is common for significant others to give up and isolate their partners. However, since addiction often stems from a need to cope, leaving a partner that is addicted can be detrimental to any progress.
Research suggests that family members or significant others trying to help a loved one through addiction must find a happy medium (Coates and Howe, 485). First, loved ones must research the nature of addiction and understand how the addiction has overtaken their loved one. Removing the illness from the individual helps loved ones to persevere when they might want to give up or be hurt by their loved one’s actions. In addition, it is crucial that they maintain an open and honest dialogue. Studies show that open communication with a support system is key in the treatment and recovery process of addiction.
Communication with Healthcare Professionals
In many cases, addicts and healthcare professionals experience a mutual mistrust of each other. However, honest conversation with healthcare professionals is key in receiving adequate treatment. In the case of the addicted individual, it is common for them to lie about the existence or severity of their disease. Addicted individuals may lie because they are embarrassed or because they have not fully admitted to themselves that they have a problem. This is harmful for the obvious reason that a healthcare professional does not know the extent to which an individual needs treatment. On the other hand, many doctors are ill-equipped to communicate with individuals suffering from addiction (Barbosa, Bernardo, and Souza, 82). In many cases, doctors will talk down to their patients and chastise them for their personal choices. Doctors and other healthcare providers are not immune to the stereotypes that pervade society, so the stigma of a drug addict being inferior often translates into how healthcare professionals communicate with them. Research shows that this method is largely ineffective in providing treatment for an addicted individual. The type of language that is used is crucial when treating an addict. Studies have shown that an emphasis on the word and concept of hope is vital for an addicted individual to make long-term progress with their condition (Herrestad, Biong, McCormack, Borg, and Karlsson, 216) . Instead of perpetuating negative attitudes, more effective treatment is achieved when healthcare providers care for patients in a more positive and hopeful manner. It is necessary for those taking care of addicted individuals to abandon their preconceived notions and judgements about the individual and focus instead on offering compassion and understanding.
Public Perception of Addicted Individuals
Often times, those engaged in substance abuse are stigmatized as a number of negative qualities. As we discussed in class, a capitalist society looks down upon those who are not producing. They are labeled as lazy, lacking self- control, and manipulative, among other things. In other words, many still hold the idea to be true that addicts are morally compromised, rather than actually suffering from an illness (Palamar, Halkitis, and Kiang, 520). Although initial drug use is indeed a personal choice, there comes a point when one’s brain is altered so much so that the individual does not have a choice in the matter. Outcomes of this mentality and lack of education on the subject can impact the addicted individual negatively. One example of this being that they might not believe they have a real, medical problem, but rather they just choose to live their life differently than everyone else. Being looked down upon tends to breed a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the addicted individual doubles down on their lifestyle as a kind of protest to how people view them. Clearly this is not an effective mentality and this particular individual is not likely to seek help and treatment. An addicted individual is also less likely to receive treatment even if they are “functioning”, simply because they do not want to be viewed differently. These stigmas stem from a number of sources, including the media, education, and even religion. All of these institutions portray drug addicts negatively and promote an abstinence based approach to drugs. However, studies show this to be an ineffective way to teach people about the realities of addiction. If people seek out a better education and understanding about the nature of drugs and addiction, society as a whole can have a more honest discussion about how to solve this problem that so many people are challenged with. In turn, these conversations will filter down to the interpersonal level, creating support systems, such as loved ones and healthcare providers, for addicted individuals that are more educated and better equipped to handle the disease.
Conclusion
Communication is key before, during, and after treatment of an addicted individual. Studies show that effective treatment of this disease is directly related to the open, honest communication between the affected individual, their support system, and their healthcare providers. Certainly if society on the whole has a more positive perception and approach to addiction, then those closest to the individuals affected will be more successful in aiding their recovery. Since addiction affects individuals differently in every case, it may be tricky to nail down one specific communication style that works best. However, research has shown certain characteristics of communication to be key in successful treatment. Addicted individuals as well as their support systems must be able to implement empathy, honesty, and positivity, if they are to have a successful recovery.
References
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Coates, D., & Howe, D. (2016). An evaluation of a service to keep children safe in families with … mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Australasian Psychiatry, 24(5), 483-488.
Herrestad, H., Biong, S., McCormack, B., Borg, M., & Karlsson, B. (2014). A pragmatist ….approach to the hope discourse in health care research. Nursing Philosophy, 15(3), 211-220. ….doi:10.1111/nup.12053
Holmes, A. (2017). Drug addictions: New insight into causes, comorbidity and potential ….treatments. Genes, Brain & Behavior, 16(1), 5-7. doi:10.1111/gbb.12359
Palamar, J. J., Halkitis, P. N., & Kiang, M. V. (2013). Perceived public stigma and stigmatization … in explaining lifetime illicit drug use among emerging adults. Addiction Research & Theory, … 21(6), 516-525. doi:10.3109/16066359.2012.762508
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