In even the closest of families, discussing topics such as alcohol and drug addiction can feel uncomfortable. The discomfort could even lead people to entirely avoid the topic of treatment. If one person does go into treatment, the rest of the family might not discuss the circumstances. Overcoming this discomfort is seriously important in helping the individual who is struggling with addiction.
How Family Plays a Role in Addiction Treatment
Whether you are the family member of a person struggling with addiction or you’re wondering how your family can support you through recovery, understanding the critical role of relatives in addiction treatment is necessary. Some of the most important ways in which families play a role in addiction treatment are the following:
- Love and acceptance
- Recognizing effects
- Feeling comforted
- Building a support system
- Providing financial or practical assistance
Love and Acceptance
People who are experiencing an addiction to drugs or alcohol may feel as though their family members are ashamed of them or do not care about them. Showing love and acceptance is a major way in which relatives can provide support for their family member. Being accepting does not mean that relatives are saying that the drug and alcohol addiction is okay. In this case, acceptance involves acknowledging that the person is a human being who has flaws and who is trying to get help for those flaws. Acceptance is a crucial component of loving and showing love.
Recognizing Effects
Family members can also play a pivotal role in helping loved ones to recognize the ways in which their addictions are harmful. For example, when some people are addicted to drugs and alcohol, they might cause emotional or mental pain to their family members. While telling loved ones that they have caused harm due to their addictions can feel uncomfortable and upsetting, this step is also an important part of recovery. When individuals are told how they are hurting their family members, they may feel more inclined to get treatment.
Feeling Comforted
Think about the ways in which family members can help their loved ones to feel comforted. When children are young, they often turn to their parents during periods of pain, discomfort and heartbreak. Getting relatives involved in addiction treatment can provide these same feelings of comfort. Of course, relatives should not make their loved ones feeling as though continued drug and alcohol abuse is acceptable. Providing comfort is more about offering emotional support.
Building a Support System
People who are going through alcohol and drug addictions need to know that they have support around them. Providing support to relatives in treatment can happen in many different ways. For example, family members can stay in contact with their loved ones who are in an inpatient program. While going for constant visits can be distracting to the progress of the resident, showing support is helpful.
Also, residents can communicate with their family members through letters or technology. When people leave rehab, they can also feel secure in knowing that their family members are there.
Providing Financial or Practical Assistance
There are situations when individuals going to rehab might need financial assistance. For example, some people might need to leave their jobs for a period of time in order to get treatment. Therefore, these individuals might need financial support from their families to help pay for basic necessities. Of course, relatives do not want to put themselves in deleterious financial situations in order to support their loved ones. People can create a balance in terms of how much financial support to give.
Furthermore, when people are going to inpatient treatment, they might need loved ones to watch their children or pets or to take care of their homes. Family involvement is so important when it comes to treatment and success for the person experiencing a drug or alcohol addiction. Whether you or your loved is going through treatment or considering enrolling in a program, recognize the value of familial love and support. To learn more about treatment options and how families can be involved in the process, call 855-334-6120 today.
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