Why Addicts Push Loved Ones Away

This is why many addicts show self destructive behavior and struggle to stop using substances even when facing serious negative consequences.

How Substance Abuse Impacts the Brain

With ongoing drug use or alcohol addiction, the brain begins to rely on substances. This leads to:

• Impaired judgment

• Strong cravings for the next fix

• Difficulty controlling behaviors

• Emotional instability

Because of this, an addicted person may act in ways that hurt others without fully understanding the harm they cause.

Emotional Pain and Trauma

Addiction and Emotional Pain

Many addicts use substances to cope with deep emotional pain. This pain may come from:

• Past trauma

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Stress

Instead of dealing with these feelings in a healthy way, they turn to substances.

Pushing People Away as a Coping Tool

When someone feels overwhelmed, they may start pushing people away. This creates emotional distance and helps them avoid facing their feelings.

Sadly, this can lead to broken trust and damaged relationships with loved ones.

Guilt, Shame, and Fear

The Role of Guilt and Shame

Many addicts feel strong guilt and shame about their actions. They know their addict’s behavior has caused harm, but they may not know how to fix it.

Instead of facing these feelings, they may:

• Avoid family and friends

• Withdraw emotionally

• Act out in destructive ways

Fear of Judgment

Addicts often fear being judged or rejected. This fear can lead them to push loved ones away before they feel rejected themselves.

This creates a painful cycle where both the addict and their loved ones suffer.

Mood Swings and Emotional Instability

How Mood Swings Affect Relationships

Substance abuse can cause intense mood swings. One moment, a person may seem calm, and the next, they may become angry or withdrawn.

This makes it hard to maintain healthy relationships.

Emotional and Physical Abuse

In some cases, addiction can lead to emotional and physical abuse. This may include:

• Yelling or blaming others

• Manipulation

• Physical abuse

Being on the receiving end of these behaviors can be very painful and damaging.

Impaired Judgment and Impulse Control

Poor Decision-Making

Addiction affects the brain’s ability to make good choices. This leads to:

• Risky behaviors

• Lying or hiding the truth

• Choosing substances over relationships

Focus on the Next Fix

For many addicts, getting their next fix becomes the most important thing in their lives. This can lead them to:

• Ignore loved ones

• Break promises

• Hurt others without thinking

This behavior is not because they do not care, but because addiction takes control.

The Cycle of Addiction

Repeating Harmful Patterns

The cycle of addiction often looks like this:

1. 1Emotional pain or stress

1. 1Substance use

1. 1Temporary relief

1. 1Guilt and shame

1. 1More substance use

This cycle leads to ongoing destructive behavior and pushes loved ones further away.

Damage to Relationships

Over time, addiction can:

• Break trust

• Cause trust issues

• Create distance between family and friends

This makes it harder for both the addict and their loved ones to heal.

Why Addicts Hurt the People They Love

Hurting Loved Ones Without Meaning To

Many addicts do not want to hurt their loved ones. But addiction changes how they think and act.

Their behaviors may include:

• Lying

• Withdrawing

• Acting out in anger