How Do Toxic Relationships Contribute to Addiction?

Addiction has a profound impact on our relationships. However, our relationships can also significantly influence another's dependency on drugs and alcohol. More specifically, toxic relationships can contribute to someone's addiction. Further, in many cases, these relationships can hinder and prevent a person from seeking treatment. Understanding the dangers of toxic relationships on your mental health and physical well-being is imperative. However, individuals must also understand them in the context of addiction. Doing so is crucial to make the necessary changes to live a better life. 

West Coast Recovery Centers understands the risks that come with having toxic people and relationships in your life. Sometimes, the hardest part of the journey toward sobriety is the life changes that must be made along the way. That includes ending relationships with toxic people who are preventing you from a life of sustainable sobriety. We encourage you to seek help, make these changes, and embark on your recovery journey today. 

What Are Toxic Relationships?

Most of us are probably familiar with what a toxic relationship is. In general, the word “toxic” has become a hot topic term used to describe people and relationships in recent years. Regarding relationships, toxic describes a series of negative patterns and behaviors in the relationship that are harmful to one's emotional, mental, and physical well-being. That may include a partner, friend, or family member. The abuser acts manipulatively, dishonestly, and abusive in an attempt to control or harm someone else. 

Within toxic relationships, one or both individuals may engage in behaviors that cause the other to feel worthless or experience anxiety and depression. Further, a sense of emotional dependency often manifests as the victim begins feeling increasingly trapped, disconnected, and unable to seek help or healthier relationships. In many cases, these circumstances can drive victims toward harmful behaviors as a way to cope, including substance abuse. Of course, before diving into the connection between toxic relationships and addiction, it helps to know how one can recognize the signs of these harmful patterns. 

Recognizing Toxic Patterns

Identifying toxic patterns within your relationships is the first step in breaking free from the cycle of an addiction-fueled toxic relationship. Some patterns to be on the lookout for include: 

• Verbal abuse consisting of name-calling insults, and other degrading commentary 
• Gaslighting wherein someone attempts to gain control over their victim 
• Emotional manipulation through guilt trips and other threats 
• Partners who find fault in everything and are constantly critical 
• Controlling behaviors, such as dictating what their partner wears, where they go, and who they see 
• Ruining relationships with friends and family members in an attempt to isolate the victim 
• Lack of accountability and refusal for the perpetrator to acknowledge their own mistakes 

How Are Toxic Relationships Dangerous?

The patterns listed above are only a few of many, but if you recognize them, consider seeking help immediately. Without it, toxic relationships can cause significant damage. They create environments of stress, anxiety, depression, and abuse. 

Further, they cause the victim to question and doubt themselves, leading to a decrease in self-esteem and overall loss of one's identity. Both the mental and emotional repercussions can be quite significant, leading to the next concern, the development of addiction. 

The Connection Between Toxic Relationships and Addiction

Mental health challenges typically begin developing among victims of toxic relationships. From depression and anxiety to isolation and a complete loss of oneself, this often leads to self-medication with drugs and alcohol. That puts these individuals at a significant risk for developing substance use disorder. 

Though numerous factors can contribute to the development of addiction, one significant factor is the quality of relationships. In many cases, the victim of a relationship may turn to substance use to cope with the trauma. However, it may also be drugs that are causing the other partner to commit acts of violence, manipulation, and abuse of the victim. In any case, the connection between toxic relationships and addiction is vicious and cyclical and often requires immediate intervention. 

The Impact on Recovery

Unfortunately, a toxic relationship can be a significant barrier to addiction recovery. Individuals seeking treatment require safe, supportive environments that foster healing and growth. Toxic relationships are the complete opposite of that, making recovery feel almost impossible to achieve. 

Additionally, when a victim's partner is abusive, they may also enable substance use as a way to exhibit control. That includes providing access to substances, downplaying the severity of the addiction, discouraging the person from seeking treatment, or engaging in any behaviors that perpetuate the addiction cycle. 

The reality is that for a person to heal from their struggle with addiction, they must end the toxic relationship. That includes cutting off contact, moving out, and doing anything else to ensure that an individual's influence is nowhere near their treatment and recovery. 

Take Steps Toward Healing With West Coast Recovery Centers

The first toward healing from addiction can be extremely difficult, especially if it means ending a relationship that although toxic, was once extremely significant. We at West Coast understand that struggle and want to help make your treatment journey as smooth as possible. Call or visit our website to learn how we can help you today.

Many people often find themselves in a toxic relationship that fuels their struggle with addiction, but taking action can be extremely difficult. Leaving an unhealthy, unsafe, and abusive environment is crucial for one's well-being. Toxic relationships are significant barriers preventing people from seeking necessary addiction and mental health treatment. We want to remind you that you deserve connections that support you and are conducive to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Leaving can be scary, but it is the first integral step to creating a life of freedom, wellness, and recovery. A brighter future awaits you and we want to help you get there. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to learn more today.