Substance abuse is an all too prevalent issue that affects millions of people worldwide. People struggling with substance abuse often experience devastating consequences, losing everything from friendships to jobs to their lives.

For years, therapists have been calling substance abuse a “family disease.” While it seems obvious to focus on the person struggling with substance abuse, everyone is harmed by addiction. Family dynamics and traumas associated with substance abuse are varied and complex. Understanding how substance abuse hurts families is an important step in recovery.

In a world where a wide range of substances are easily accessible, including alcohol, prescription, and recreational drugs, the line between responsible usage and abusive behavior can get blurry. Many people indulge in these substances occasionally for relaxation, socializing, or pain management.

We think of addiction as mostly affecting one person. It’s the alcoholic whose life spirals out of control. The drug addict is the one who loses contact with friends and family. The person suffering from substance abuse disorder gets fired, loses custody of their children, and struggles with money. But these tragedies don’t happen in a vacuum.

Substance abuse is not a sign of weakness. It’s an overwhelming mental and physical adversity that can happen to anyone. There are no specific reasons that addiction can be caused. And, a common misconception by society is that someone “chooses” to become addicted.

Teens often experiment with drugs and alcohol. But irresponsible use can quickly spiral into abuse.

Addiction is a debilitating and life-threatening illness. It also doesn’t only affect the person actively abusing substances. Everyone around them—parents, grandparents, children, and extended family members—are impacted by the trauma of one person’s struggle with substance abuse.

Not everyone who drinks alcohol or uses drugs is an addict. In our culture, drinking and partying are glamorized in ads, movies, and television shows.

Substance abuse doesn’t just affect the person using drugs or alcohol. Everyone around them will feel its rippling, damaging effects.

Getting sober is a lifelong journey. It might feel overwhelming, once you know you have a problem with substance abuse, to get started on your healing journey.

Substance abuse is defined as the continued use of a drug despite worsening outcomes. Addiction is a complex disease and not a moral failure.