The impact of alcohol and drugs on personal relationships: The lived experience of family members

Abstract

This paper will examine the issues that partners of individuals with alcohol and drug addictions experience during their relationships. One of the key issues is the breakdown of trust within the relationship. This paper will explore how this breakdown develops, the impact that this has upon the individual’s relationship and the ongoing effect on their day to day life. The partner’s interaction with alcohol and drug services will also be examined in terms of their experiences of interacting with service providers and how they are viewed by individuals working within the Alcohol and Drug field. It will conclude with discussion of strategies to encourage a more inclusionary practice involving partner’s and family members, with an emphasis on the partners needs rather then that of the alcohol and/or drug user.