Addiction is a family disease, as the use of drugs and alcohol by one family member affects other members in varying ways. Spouses, parents, and siblings all intimately feel the effects of addiction.
Likewise, all family members play a key role in a successful recovery. However, not everyone will fully understand the impact of addiction or the needs that come with creating an effective recovery plan. Education is crucial for creating a supportive, transformative, and effective approach to sobriety. Education can help families not only support their loved ones through treatment but also ensure that members can care for their own health as well throughout the process.
The Effects of Addiction on the Family
Addiction never affects people in isolation. Families feel many adverse effects of addiction even if they are not engaging with destructive substances themselves. Feelings of depression and anxiety can inevitably permeate a home atmosphere. Additionally, supporting a loved one while they are expressing mood swings, anger, or continuing to engage in self-destructive behaviors is incredibly difficult to process.
Others may pick up additional responsibilities — such as cooking, cleaning, or other chores — around the house if the family member struggling with addiction is no longer able to tend to them. They may lose their job as another consequence of their substance use, and as a result, the financial impact can fall heavily on loved ones. Wanting to support a family member through difficult times is noble, but it can also feel trapping for family members as the disease continues to wreak havoc on the entire household.
As a result of the emotional, behavioral, and financial impact of addiction, these close familial relationships can become incredibly strained. Addiction can even commonly birth feelings of resentment and anger that can deteriorate honesty and trust. Lying can also be common, and each family member may become both physically and emotionally isolated as a result.
The Importance of Family Education
Healing together as a family unit is necessary. Becoming educated about the causes and effects of addiction is necessary to begin healing and recovering together. There are still pervasive misconceptions surrounding addiction and recovery that can be difficult to let go of. However, understanding that addiction is a disease that affects each individual — and is not the result of some kind of “moral failing” — is essential for taking a huge step forward toward a unified understanding. Creating a shared understanding is essential, helping family members better understand each other and reach a point of sympathy necessary for lasting healing.
Education can also help family members learn how to best support or avoid negatively impacting a loved one’s recovery. Learning to support a loved one while managing personal needs is a practiced skill, and it takes time to create the most effective approach to various situations. Professional guidance and education can ensure that each member is approaching difficult situations with the right skills, perspective, and mindset.
The Benefits of Family Education
Family plays a crucial role throughout recovery, and each family will develop its own best practices for support and self-care. However, understanding the intended benefits of family education groups in addiction recovery can ensure that families are working alongside professionals for the most effective implementation of their practices.
Strengthens Relapse Prevention
Understanding addiction means also understanding the challenges, urges, and cravings that addiction presents. It also emphasizes the importance of acknowledging underlying factors that inform an individual’s use of drugs or alcohol. Families are instrumental in mitigating the chances that these urges or cravings develop into relapse. Some family members may be able to help loved ones recognize stressors, while others may be able to guide an individual through stressful situations before these stresses jeopardize their loved one’s sobriety. Working alongside family members to establish personalized relapse prevention strategies and escape plans in the case of high-risk situations is an invaluable resource for a member’s sobriety.
Likewise, families are indispensable for establishing effective communication strategies. Practicing new communication strategies alongside professionals and employing them at home can ensure that each family member is able to be heard and understood in the ongoing journey of recovery. Avoiding misconceptions and reestablishing an atmosphere of trust is essential for healing a healthy family dynamic.
Employs Self-Care
Self-care is necessary for navigating stress and managing physical and emotional health. While family members may want to support their loved ones around the clock, it is just as important to take time for themselves. Becoming educated about effective self-care strategies, as well as their importance, can ensure that each family member is able to tend to their own needs while also continuing to provide effective support.
Keeps Focus on the Future
There is no “end” to recovery. Rather, recovery requires constant effort and adjustment to new stresses and challenges while setting new goals. Getting the family involved and educated about the recovery process can ensure that those navigating the challenges of sobriety keep focused on their sober goals and continue to engage in effective care. From helping loved ones attend intensive outpatient care to ongoing 12-Step programs, educated, involved families can keep their loved ones accountable while building effective skills for their long-term sobriety.
Family is a core part of every recovery journey. We at Buena Vista Recovery champion the opportunity to help you challenge and overcome the effects of addiction alongside your family. We work closely with each family member to ensure that each member of your support system is educated and prepared to navigate each step of the recovery process, prioritizing a wholly transformative and effective healing for entire households. From our medical detox and inpatient programs to ongoing outpatient care, we can personalize your recovery through our individual case management to help you understand and utilize the support and benefits of your family for sustained healing. For information on how we can help you involve your family, call (480) 741-9414.
