The Family Disease
The Devastating Impact of Addiction on Families
Addiction is a complex and challenging disease that profoundly affects not only the individual struggling with it but also their entire family. Those closest to an individual dealing with alcoholism or drug addiction often take on specific roles within the family dynamic, which can significantly influence the development of addiction. Therefore, these individuals will have a significant impact on the success of the addiction treatment process.
Every year, many individuals in aviation and their families are affected by addiction or substance use disorders. This can happen to anyone, in any family, anywhere. It can be challenging to care for, live with, or love a person with an addictive disease. Learning about addiction, treatment, and recovery can help you better relate to and support your loved ones on their path to recovery. Understanding addiction as a complex disease and recognizing the impact it has on both the individual and their family is crucial for effective treatment and support to get back in the cockpit.
Family Disease
Addiction affects the relationships of the addicted, none more so than the family. The psychological, emotional, spiritual, and mental changes in the addict are profound. They can become nothing like the person the family once knew. There are many ways the family may also have been affected by the disease of addiction whether it was a slow or quick progression. It impacts every aspect of their lives and leaves a lasting impact on everyone involved. It may seem strange to call addiction a family disease, after all, the addict is the one who is sick, right? While this is true, many of the symptoms of addiction manifest themselves in the behavior of the addict, thus directly affecting those around them as they react to this behavior, often blaming themselves for the behaviors or feeling hurt by them.
Codependency
Codependency is a term that is often associated with relationships where one person relies heavily on the other for emotional support, validation, and a sense of identity. When we talk about being a pilot spouse/partner, the challenges and dynamics of such a relationship can further exacerbate issues related to codependency. Codependent relationships are characterized by an unhealthy reliance on each other for approval and a sense of self-worth. In such relationships, boundaries are often blurred, and individuals may prioritize the needs of their partner over their own. Signs of codependency include low self-esteem, people-pleasing tendencies, fear of abandonment, and difficulty in setting boundaries. Being a pilot spouse/partner comes with its own set of unique challenges.
Stigma
As pilots receive treatment and follow the HIMS program, their families may feel isolated due to the stigma associated with addiction. However, the Aviation Family Network stands as a crucial resource, offering understanding, empathy, and practical guidance to these families as they navigate the complexities of supporting their loved ones through the recovery process. Ultimately, addressing the cultural stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse within the aviation industry, while also providing comprehensive support and resources, will be crucial in contributing to a more compassionate and recovery-oriented environment for pilots and their loved ones.