Dealing with Family and Interpersonal Problems

Abstract

Family stress and problems are common with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. Family stability, parental competence, how the family communicates and functions, family mood, roles assumed by members, and family cohesion may be adversely affected by a parent’s or other member’s SUD. Parental absence, separation or divorce, violence or neglect, poverty, incarceration, and loss of a family member through death are more serious types of problems that create additional stress for family and marital systems. Individual members may experience health, mental health, and substance use problems. Friendships and other relationships are also harmed by SUDs. The objectives of this chapter are to identify the effects of the SUD on family and interpersonal relationships, to help the client identify strategies to cope with family and interpersonal problems caused by the substance use, and to help the client improve relationships and interpersonal behaviors.