The Effects it has on the Family and the Community. A question many of us ask that are familiar with drug addiction is, “Can a person addicted to drugs ever really be rehabilitated, or do they all end up going back to their old lifestyles, and if so why?” Well, in this research paper, I am going to try to help you find an answer for this question, or at least give you enough information to be able to state your opinion on the question. In This paper I will also state information on the effects that drug addiction has on the lives of family members and the community, as well as state how we as humans can help the suffering, and their families, as well as the communities that surround them. My essay is …show more content…
There are many ways drug addiction can affect family members of the suffering addict. One of the most common and serious co-occurring problems is a history of child maltreatment, defined as the experience of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or physical or emotional neglect (Fletcher,Connor,Frueh,Shin,Miller&Teicher,2009.) These conditions can greatly effect family members, and the drug abuse can continue through generations if treatment is not sought. The communities around the addict suffer as well. Such as being victims of crime, burglary, and sexual assaults. So, everyone surrounding the addict is affected in a negative way somehow. This I also have some personal experience at with my son. His addiction has totally disrupted our family many times. Most drug abusers are defiant, have anger issues, and steal to supply their drug habit. Some studies indicate that people who used drugs may be more likely to engage in aggressive behaviors than those who do not use drugs (Muntaner,Walter&Teicher,2013.) Family members of drug abusers can also seek counseling for themselves, there is also a meetings called AL-ANON, PAL, NAR-ANON, these meetings are for family members dealing with a loved one that are abusing drugs. They give support and have good