Impact of Substance Abuse on Families

Abstract

Over the last few decades, the use of illegal drugs has spreadto practically every part of the globe. No society remains immune to thedevastating problem of substance abuse. Substance abuse poses variousproblems impacting not just the individual user, but also his/her familyand community. The adverse impact of drug use on families istremendous. Relationships suffer, financial sources are depleted, healthcare costs increases, and employment problems and increased emotionalstress arise. There is also a serious risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS,STI’s and other blood-borne viruses to partners of infected persons.Within the family, it is often the women, in the role of wife or mother,who is the most affected by an individual’s drug abuse and has to beara significant part of the burden on the family.