Is it my fault?

Many family members especially parents, ask themselves if it is something they have done which has caused their loved one’s addiction. Family members can feel guilty about the way they have acted in the past towards a user.

However, remember, what ever you may have done or said in the past, the person who uses is responsible for the choices they make and for their behavior, including misusing drug and or alcohol.


Likewise the family and friends of a user are responsible for their choices and behavior too, which can have an influence on the user.
This behavior can either be:

• Inadvertently unhelpful, such as giving a user money knowing they will probably spend it on drugs/alcohol, so thereby enabling them to use. Or…
• Helpful and supportive, such as offering love and encouragement when a user is in treatment (which is something no professional can give).

There are a lot of people who have lived close to a drug/alcohol user. Many of those offering support to families have ‘been there’ themselves. They can help you to understand the relationship you have with someone who uses and the feelings this provokes.


The source of above information is with the permission of ADFAM and translated to Farsi by FARS Services. F or the direct link to this source click on: http://www.adfam.org.uk/index.php?content=family_help3&include=no