It is common knowledge to almost everyone on earth that drugs, even to the people who consume them, are bad for you. The effects of psychoactive drugs can range from a fun, crazy night out with friends to extreme physical and mental health deterioration due to misuse of the substance. Despite the effects of misuse of these drugs being well acknowledged, we often do not talk about how it impacts the personâs interpersonal relationships.
To understand this, letâs understand what psychoactive drugs include.
What are psychoactive drugs?
Psychoactive drugs refer to chemical substances that alter brain function, resulting in changes to mood, perception, cognition, behaviour, and consciousness. They can be classified into various categories:
- Stimulants (e.g. caffeine, cocaine, nicotine) that increase alertness and energy
- Depressants (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines), which reduce central nervous system activity and increase relaxation and sleep
- Opioids (e.g. morphine, heroin) are painkillers and can induce the feeling of euphoria
- Hallucinogens (e.g. LSD, DMT), which alter perception and induce hallucinations
These categories are made on the basis of the kind of effects that they have on us. Stimulants like caffeine (present in coffee, tea, cola drinks, energy drinks) are incredibly commonly consumed by adults all over the world. The exact effects of these drugs often depend on the kind of substance, dosage, individualâs personal physiology, method of administration, and the environment it was consumed.
Misuse of psychoactive drugs means using substances that impact the brain and central nervous system in harmful or unsafe ways. This may include using the drugs in high amounts, more often, or for a longer time than what is recommended.
Consumption of any kind of drug in such ways can lead to dependence on the substance, which can quickly turn into a debilitating addiction. Both of these conditions are developed and/or further exacerbated through life stressors and mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, andtrauma.
Now that we have a brief idea about what misuse of psychoactive drugs can look like, letâs try to understand what impact it can have on a personâs interpersonal relationships across all aspects of their life.
Impact of substance misuse on relationships
- Romantic relationships
Weâve often heard stories about addiction leading to abuse against the partner, seen it in the media we consume, or even experienced it firsthand.
The non-addicted partner may have to assume the role of a caretaker for the addicted partner, having to constantly check in on them, make sure they do not take more of the substance. In some cases of substance abuse caused due to another mental health condition, it is seen that self-destructive behaviours such as self-harm can become recurring issues. The caretaking partner, in this case, may feel that they are a caretaker more than a romantic partner.
All of these situations can result in lower relationship satisfaction, a breakdown of trust and respect, resentment towards the addicted person, and constant emotional turmoil. Such distrust and emotional conflicts can go so far as to the relationship coming to an end.
2. Family dynamicsÂ
Within families, substance misuse disrupts emotional and psychological well-being, often leading to role reversals where children take on parental responsibilities due to a parentâs inability to function due to their condition. This can result in long-term psychological effects on children, including difficulties forming healthy attachment styles and the inability to form healthy coping mechanisms and emotional control strategies.
Financial strain is common, as substance use can lead to poverty, bankruptcy, or the neglect of financial responsibilities, further increasing stress and conflict in the home environment. Family members may also experience social isolation due to shame or embarrassment over a loved oneâs behaviour.
Studies show that parents of adolescents with substance use disorders tend to take either of the two routes: talking about the negative effects of substance misuse or punishment. Siblings of individuals with substance use disorders are sometimes referred to as “invisible victims,” as they often receive less acknowledgement and support in their experience of similar distress.
3. Friendships and social situations
Substance misuse often affects friendships and social situations in the same manner. Those who are struggling with substance addiction/dependence frequently end up isolating themselves from social situations like friendly hangouts and community meetings. This usually happens due to the straightforward way in which friends express their concerns regarding their dependence and try to change their minds about using the substance. Instead, the individual may end up surrounding themselves with peers who also consume drugs to reinforce their own behaviours.
The loss of healthy friendships and regular social interactions can cause an overall worsening of mental health of the person. The friends in question may feel distressing emotions such as neglect, concern, betrayal, or even be embarrassed by their friendâs behaviour.
4. Workplace
In the workplace, substance misuse can severely damage professional relationships and performance. Employees may neglect duties, miss work, or exhibit erratic, aggressive, or inappropriate behaviour while under the influence. This can harm client and customer relations, reduce productivity, and lead to disciplinary action or termination. Managers may enable the behaviour by covering for mistakes, reducing expectations, or transferring the employee to another department, which perpetuates the cycle of addiction.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the misuse of psychoactive substances isnât just a personal health struggle; it creates a profound ripple effect across romantic partnerships, family dynamics, friendships, and workplace relationships. The breakdown of trust, emotional strain, and isolation are painful realities for everyone involved. Recognising these widespread impacts is the first, crucial step toward healing not just for the individual struggling, but for everyone who cares about them.
For young individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or emotional imbalances linked to social media pressures, comparison, or online harassment, professional support can make a difference. The Psychowellness Center, located in Dwarka Sector-17 and Janakpuri, New Delhi (011-47039812/7827208707), provides emotional wellness programs and focused youth counselling aimed at boosting resilience and promoting brain healing. Using evidence-based techniques like CBT, REBT, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy, their team, which includes some of the top psychologists near me, assists young people in gaining clarity, self-assurance, and healthy thought patterns. Additionally, TalktoAngel offers easily accessible virtual counselling and strength-based online therapy to help young people develop healthy digital habits, emotional stability, and long-term mental resilience.
Empathy, patience, and professional guidance are powerful tools in recovery. While relationships impacted by substance misuse face challenges, they can recover with courage, understanding, and the willingness to seek help together.
Contribution: Dr. R.K. Suri, Clinical Psychologist, and Ms. Charavi Shah, Counselling Psychologist
ReferencesÂ
Curtis, B., Ashford, R., Rosenbach, S., Stern, M., & Kirby, K. (2019). Parental Identification and Response to Adolescent Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders. Drugs (Abingdon, England), 26(2), 175â183. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2017.1383973
Escamilla, I., Juan, N., Benito, A., Castellano-GarcĂa, F., RodrĂguez-Ruiz, F., & Haro, G. (2024). Substance Addiction in Adolescents: Influence of Parenting and Personality Traits. Brain Sciences, 14(5), 449. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050449
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