Family Involvement in Recovery
Your loved one’s addiction has affected you and everyone in your family in some way. Now that your loved one is in addiction treatment, you may be wondering what you can do to help them and yourself. It is important to know what to expect and to know what may be expected of you, so your loved one can enjoy a successful recovery.
Know What to Expect
Understand that addiction treatment takes time. Your loved one will need some time, and most likely some space, to address the underlying causes of their addiction and to learn how to live without drugs or alcohol. Support them as they work through their treatment but continue to set the boundaries they need so they will stick with their program.
Know that there is no shame in your loved one’s addiction or the fact that they are now in addiction treatment. Encourage them to talk about what they are going through. Be there for them as part of their positive support network. Know they will need you as they continue through their recovery, particularly during times when they may feel the temptation to use drugs or drink alcohol again.
Learn About Addiction
It’s important to remember that addiction is a disease, not a choice. Although your loved one may have had their first drink or used their first drug voluntarily, as they continued to use drugs or alcohol, the substance actually changed the way their brain and their body functioned.
Learning everything you can about addiction, how it affects the mind and the body, and what kind of factors can affect an individual’s chances of becoming addicted, will help you and your family better understand how your loved one reached the point where they are now.
Focus on Self-Care
Take the time to take care of yourself while your loved one is in addiction treatment. Their addiction has been stressful on you and your family members. You have probably spent a lot of time worrying about them and convincing them that they need the help they are getting now. Get some exercise, even if it is just going for a walk every day to refresh your mind and re-energize your body.
Try some stress reduction activities such as yoga or meditation. Learn more about practicing mindfulness, which has been proven effective in improving your emotional and mental health. In mindfulness, you focus on the present moment with no regrets about the past or worries about the future.
Participate in Family Support Groups
Part of your self-care will be sharing your concerns with others who understand your situation. Take advantage of the family therapy and family support groups available to you through South Miami Recovery and through groups such as Nar-Anon and Al-Anon. It helps to be able to open up and have confidential conversations with others who have been through what you’re going through now with your loved one.
How You Can Help Your Loved One
Family involvement in recovery has been proven to help the individual who is participating in addiction treatment. One way you can your loved one is to ensure they remain in treatment long enough for it to benefit them. Research has shown that staying in treatment can depend on a number of factors, including individual motivation and engagement as well as the degree of support they get from their family members.
Addiction rehab programs include the family members in the recovery process as research has also shown that family involvement can reduce the risk of relapse for your loved one. The addiction treatment counselor will be able to gain some input from your family members as well as observe how your family interacts. Learning more about your family dynamics can help them tailor the program to your loved one’s particular needs.
In addition, when your loved one knows they are supported by the family as they progress through their addiction treatment and recovery, they are more likely to continue to participate and do the work they need to do to succeed.
Family Therapy at South Miami Recovery
We encourage family involvement in recovery, as we recognize the benefits for your family members and your loved one. At South Miami Recovery, we offer a thorough family program so your loved one and your family can all get the help they need. Our staff is fully bilingual and is prepared to help you and your family begin the journey to recovery.
