Addiction affects the whole family; therefore, the role of the family in addiction recovery is one of the most important pieces of the healing process. It can also be one of the toughest to integrate. When families learn how to work together to manage the addiction, it will benefit lasting recovery.
How Can I Help as a Family Member?
As a family member, you probably are the first in line to research substance use treatment for your loved one, and the first question that you ask is, “How can I help my loved one through addiction recovery?”
Start a Conversation and Listen
A good place to start is to initiate conversations about addiction with a loved one. When you open the door to conversation, it is important to keep an open mind and listen to what your loved one has to say. Often people managing an addiction can feel hopeless and alone, and they might try to hide their emotions. To start establishing trust, you should let your loved one know that you are listening.
Keep an open mind, try not to interrupt, and hold space to let your loved ones talk to you about what they are going through. From there, you can begin to ask them how you can help in the best possible way.
Educate Yourself About Addiction and Addiction Treatment
It can be one of the scariest things when you find out that your loved one is struggling with addiction, especially when you are not well-versed in addiction treatment and therapy. First and foremost, it is important to note that there is not just one rule governing substance use disorders; everyone is unique, and everyone’s journey can look very different. It is also important to note that your loved one is not alone.
In 2015, a study funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), part of the National Institutes of Health, found that more than 23 million adults in the United States have struggled with problematic substance use. The number has only increased since then, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated substance use disorders. In fact, “most U.S. adults reported that the coronavirus outbreak has had a negative impact on their mental health, including inducing or exacerbating use of alcohol, drugs, gambling, and overeating as coping mechanisms.”
Learn About Different Treatment Programs
It is also a great idea to educate yourself on the different programs offered for addiction treatment, like rehab, drug detox, IOP, and PHP. You can also find out more about addiction treatment centers near you. After learning about the different types of substance abuse treatment programs, you can then have an open and honest discussion with your loved one to see which one or ones would be best for their needs. Having access to appropriate care will help you and your loved one navigate the process more easily.
How Can My Family Help Me?
If you are suffering from substance addiction, the first thing to remember is that you do not have to go at it alone. Leaning on family and loved ones for support can be one of the greatest decisions you make throughout your journey.
Be Honest About Your Addiction Struggles
To get the most support from your family while managing addiction and recovery, you need to be open and honest about your struggles. Familial ties might already be strained, and it is not always easy to admit that you need help. To strengthen and repair these bonds, let your family know exactly how you feel and what you are going through.
Tell them that you want them to listen with an open mind, have a serious discussion, and truly want their help in your recovery journey. Sometimes, you simply need to open that door first and let them know that you are ready to embark on this journey together.
Know When and How To Set Boundaries
The fact that you want your family to participate in your addiction recovery journey does not mean that you are helpless or weak. Remember that you know yourself better than anyone, and just because you are struggling with addiction, that does not make you any less of a person. Talk about boundaries with your family members and the type of relationship you would like to have with them in your addiction recovery process.
Healthy boundaries will pave the way for you to start taking control of your own life again. Do not be afraid to be open and honest about your struggles and any boundaries you would like to set to get the most out of this process.
The journey to recovery looks different for everyone, and it’s important to remember that everyone goes through their unique process. It is essential to understand the best practices for familial support in addiction recovery. Here at Lighthouse Recovery Texas, we believe in the importance of family support, and we are here to help you through this journey, no matter how daunting or difficult it may seem. Our Extended Treatment programs give individuals the accountability, structure, and real-world applications necessary for long-term success. Integrating family support in recovery is often one of the most rewarding parts of the process. Addiction affects the whole family, and you don’t have to go it alone. If you or a loved one needs help, don’t wait; act now. To find out more about our programs and services, reach out to us today by calling (214) 760-6933.
