Addiction doesn’t just affect those struggling with it. Whether it be an addiction to drugs or alcohol, everyone close to the addicted person is impacted. Friends, children, partners and family all have varying levels of involvement with the addiction which is why it’s important for the period of recovery to help familiarize loved ones with how addiction works. Providing insight increases the family’s ability to support those going through treatment and even after treatment has ended.
Depending on the severity of the addiction, the dynamics and relationships held between the addicted person and their friends or family can change drastically. Communication is often difficult to maintain and negative experiences can even cause trust issues and boundaries being set that previously weren’t a concern. It’s also common for addiction to run in the family as the environment one grows up in has a major impact on how they approach life’s difficulties.
You’re in Control of the Impact You Have
Having the chance to make a lasting impression on someone in recovery is both a blessing and a burden. Family members can be the driving force behind a successful treatment program or they can create a more challenging environment for someone struggling with substance abuse and addiction. The role friends and family play is important for everyone involved. There are various ways your involvement can be viewed so take the chance to be the person they need right now.
Taking on the role of being someone they can look up to is easy for family members who have found success and happiness in their own life. By being considerate, compassionate and patient you can inspire your loved one to keep pushing through their addiction recovery and continue towards a life free of substance abuse. Even just having a sunny disposition and positive mental attitude can be a breath of fresh air from the impulsive thoughts often created by addiction.
Some friends or family members may not be as open to supporting someone in recovery. Don’t hold this against anyone as the topic can still be uncomfortable and even triggering for certain groups. Recovery is an opportunity for these family members to get more familiar with addiction and change their own perspective for the better. Fear and uncertainty are often born out of a lack of information so don’t let addiction education sit on the back burner while a loved one goes through recovery.
Healthy Family Dynamics Are a Traditional Source of Support
Setting a positive example and encouraging those in recovery to continue their healing process carries more weight than you may think. Parents of a recovering substance abuser can use their existing relationship as a foundation, giving them support while also being firm regarding their treatment. The added accountability will mirror their commitment made to their therapy groups and addiction recovery team. If they’re comfortable with it, you can see about attending a group session with them to further immerse yourself in what your loved one is going through.
All of these steps are even more important when it comes to adolescents who develop a substance use disorder, or SUD. Drugs and alcohol are able to alter how our central nervous system operates which creates a high risk for permanent damage to the developing brain of an adolescent. Early intervention is vital to stopping addiction before it becomes a permanent uphill battle. When help is sought out early, addiction can be properly managed and seem like nothing more than a speed bump once the child grows up.
If you’re part of a family dealing with an adolescent seeking help for substance abuse, be sure to create an environment for them that fosters healing and progress. It can be frustrating learning how to juggle the mood swings and changes in behavior brought on by both growing up and addiction to drugs or alcohol. Remain available for them because you never know when they’ll need it the most.
Whether you have a friend or family member already in recovery or in need of addiction treatment, America’s Rehab Campus is here to answer any questions you have. You can schedule a consultation or give us a quick call, both of which are fully confidential. It’s never too late to beat addiction so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
