Recognizing that you have a problem and need to attend an opioid treatment program is a big step. While you know the truth, you might wonder if you need to share it with your family. Sharing this piece of yourself with your family can be intimidating. If you feel nervous about it, that is okay. However, sharing with your family that you need help is important. Treatment and recovery are challenging, and support is essential. Buena Vista Recovery recognizes that having your family support you through the process can be extremely helpful. However, we recognize that your choice will be unique for your situation. It is important to make the choice that is best for you.
How to Talk to Your Family About an Opioid Treatment Program
Once you have identified that you are showing signs of opioid abuse, it is time to enter an opioid treatment program. However, you may be wondering how to talk with your family about your choice. The best way to communicate with your family will depend on the type of relationship that you have with them. However, some general guidelines can help you communicate your needs and decision in an optimal way.
The first thing to consider is how you are entering the conversation. Going to treatment is a big decision, and therefore, you are likely to feel many emotions about it. Consider writing down what you want to say to your family. Therefore, if you get off track, you can glance down and look at what you thought about before you started talking.
Additionally, it is important to consider that the conversation may not go as planned. It can be helpful to have some options to help yourself during the conversation. This might include taking a break from the conversation to step outside and cool off. However, it might also look like informing your family of your decision and discussing it at a later point so that all parties have a chance to think about it first.
Being Prepared When Entering an Opioid Treatment Program
There are many benefits of talking with your family before entering an opioid treatment program. One of them is that this discussion can help both you and your family to be prepared for your time in treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) explains that family can play an important role in supporting the changes that you will make during treatment and after.
However, for your family to be able to support you, they need to understand what you have been struggling with and what treatment will look like. Therefore, by sharing with your family, you are helping to prepare them for the process of healing. You are also giving them a chance to adjust and learn how they can support you as you get treatment and make changes that will help you to stay sober.
Healing With Your Family
According to research published in Social Work in Public Health, addiction is a disease that impacts the entire family. You may think that your addiction was hidden. However, signs of opioid use and addiction can affect your children and other family members. This is due to the financial strain caused by addiction and the change in your behavior that comes with opioid abuse.
Therefore, going to treatment is not completely about you, but also can be a process that will help your family to heal. For many, treatment includes family therapy as a way to help you and your family to heal. In approaching the topic of treatment before you go, you can help your family to learn how they can be a part of the process. Their participation will help you and them to heal and move forward after treatment.
Importance of Making the Best Choice for You
Every family is different, and you know your situation with your family the best. From the outside, getting family support is ideal. However, your family situation may be such that it is unlikely to be helpful to discuss the situation with your family. This can be for a variety of reasons. For example, if you know that your family will openly disagree with your choice, this can be detrimental as this may cause you to not pursue treatment.
It is important for you to consider the best choice for you when entering treatment. The goal of an opioid treatment program is for you to heal and find a sober and healthier life. When considering how and if you want to discuss treatment with your family, it is helpful to put it in perspective with this goal. Questions to ask yourself include the following:
- Is discussing treatment with my family helpful to me?
- Will discussing treatment with them help me to heal?
- Or could it help them to heal?
- How will discussing treatment impact the choices I make?
Remember, there is no right answer. If you wonder whether talking to family is the right choice for you, that is normal. Speaking with a representative at Buena Vista Recovery can help you make the best decision for your own personal journey.
Realizing that you have an opioid problem can be the first step in your journey to recovery. However, you may wonder whether telling your family about it is really necessary. At Buena Vista Recovery, we know every family situation is unique. We understand that family can play an important and vital role in your treatment. If possible, including your family in your healing process can be extremely helpful. Your family can be impacted by your addiction and therefore need to heal almost as much as you do. To learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you and your family heal from opioid addiction, call us today at (480) 741-9414 to speak with a staff member.
