When an addict or alcoholic enters addicton treatment, it is easy for family members to begin thinking it might somehow be their fault. They think, maybe if they had done something differently at some point in life, their loved one would not be in this position. This is simply untrue.
People have different ways of dealing with life stresses, and family members have no hand in driving their loved ones toward addiction. Conversely, family members can mean everything to their loved one who is going through Addiction Treatment. Family support cannot be underestimated during this challenging time of change.
Supporting a loved one through recovery may be a very difficult task. They may have been through this before, maybe so many times that family members cannot help but be skeptical that anything will change this time around. It is also possible that the addict has hurt family members so bad while in their active addiction that it is now difficult to turn around and support that person while they are in addiction treatment .
Family members should try to realize that the person who hurt their feelings was not their loved one, but a monster created by drug addiction. Their loved one is the person who is trying to change and direct their life down a better path. Family members should also understand that relapse is extremely common with substance abuse.
Recovering addicts should be held accountable to change the people and places they associate with on a daily basis after recovery, to eliminate as much temptation as possible. Nevertheless, the temptations will be very serious every day for a long time. It is not uncommon for recovering addicts to visit a addiction treatment several times or stay in a 12-step support group for a long time. This is not a “crutch” or a sign of weakness. If anything, it is making them stronger. Studies have showed that three months or longer in an Addiction Treatment Facility is the most effective length of stay. The best thing family members can do is be supportive throughout the process, even if it means seeking counseling to work through their feelings toward their loved one. The staff at Lakeview Health understands that the disease of addiction and alcoholism is a family illness. You can call Lakeview Health Systems 24hr a day at 1-800-657-4357.