Friends and Family Treatment

Therapy for addiction is usually centered around the person with the substance abuse problem. However, addiction often affects the family as much as it affects the person with the problem. One of the biggest struggles that family members of addicts have is whether they should let their loved one go or not when they have a severe addiction.

Many people feel the need to distance themselves from their loved ones who are struggling with addiction in the hope that they will get better. But, in fact, many addicts have even more trouble trying to get clean after they have been abandoned by their families. If communication has already broken down or been cut off, family members must do their best to reach out because their support of the addict is more important now than ever before.

How family can support a loved one who has an alcohol addiction

Family members can help an addict through their recovery by doing the following:

• Encouraging them to seek help through a rehab programme or addiction counselling
• Educate themselves as well as other family members about addiction
• Take stock of and address any of their actions that may be enabling or contributing to the addiction

Addiction is rarely a problem that is isolated and involves one person. Addiction treatment will often uncover family issues such as the substance abuse of others living in the household, conflicting relationships, traumatic events in the person’s or family’s past, and a history of violence. Exploring these issues can often be uncomfortable for the family and, at times, even painful. The effects of alcohol addiction can be long term as well as short term, so the whole family must heal together.

Don’t be afraid to address the addiction

Many family members worry that addressing the problem of addiction with the addict will drive them away, or cause them to do something drastic or irrational. The addict might leave home or create a scene in front of other people. They might try to hide their substance abuse or act out towards other members of the family. On the other hand, discussing substance abuse may prove to be an educating experience and help the addict to move forward in seeking help. They may not have noticed any changes in their behaviour, or they may not have realised how severe their addiction was or that it was causing problems for the whole family.

Being patient through the treatment process

Most family members want to see their loved ones stop drinking alcohol and get clean immediately. However, quitting many drugs cold turkey, including alcohol, can make withdrawal worse and even cause the addict to have serious medical issues, including seizures or a stroke. A detox center is the safest, most effective form of treatment for withdrawal. However, the process can take time, depending on the severity of the addiction. Families must be patient with their loved ones through this process and continue to support them.

If you have a family member who is struggling with addiction, contact us at Harley Street Alcohol Detox Organisation. You can contact us through our web page or by telephone.