Understanding The Family’s Role in Drug or Alcohol Addiction Recovery

When a person struggles with a substance use disorder, their family struggles too. Addiction is often called a family disease, because family dynamics contribute to and are affected by substance https://ecosoberhouse.com/ use. When families come together to support a loved one in recovery, and support each other, they can learn to change behaviors and enjoy a more positive and healthy home environment.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional. Different substances have differing rates at which addiction can kick in and signs and symptoms when a person is in the habit of using. The right knowledge about addiction can help family members come to terms with their loved one’s addiction as well as spot the signs of a problem.

Importance of Family Support during Process

Language matters, especially when a condition is as stigmatized as substance use disorder. The Addictionary is a glossary that can help family members identify stigmatizing words and offer alternative non-stigmatizing language. Stigma is a known barrier to treatment seeking, and can stop family members from seeking outside support, or individual treatment for themselves, or their loved ones.

The disease of addiction throws the family ecosystem out of balance. Spouses, children, and other loved ones are often the unintended victims of a person’s addiction and can fall into certain family roles of addiction. On the other hand, families can make a huge difference in their loved one’s recovery. Here you’ll learn why addiction is often called a family disease and how you can support your loved one in their recovery. This approach, uses encouragement and motivation to inspire a family member suffering from substance use disorder to seek out addiction treatment themselves. This approach, known as CRAFT was found to be 2x more effective than the Johnson Intervention and 3x more effective than Al-Anon/Nar-Anon Facilitation, a 12-step mutual-help approach.

Family Issues That Play a Role in Active Addiction

Gathering adequate information about addiction can help dispel misbeliefs that addiction is by choice or due to some weakness. Enrolling in a rehabilitation program means that someone is dedicated to getting better. The journey is certainly not easy, but it is worth it to help individuals understand and beat their addiction.

Addiction recovery isn’t something done alone, at least not successfully. This is a true case of “it takes a village,” with the person struggling with the addiction, combined with family, friends, and The Recovery Village team, to make recovery a reality. Even if the addiction is to drugs, alcohol can be a trigger for recurrence of use.

How does Family Therapy for Substance Use Disorder Help Support Recovery Goals?

Substance abuse and addiction can damage family dynamics, erode trust, and weaken communication. Family members who experience a loved one battling with a substance use disorder often endure a host of painful emotions. Equally frustrating is the hopelessness loved ones feel in response to substance abuse. Family members may feel at a loss when seeing a loved one caught in the grips of substance abuse. For example, stumbling upon burnt spoons and used syringes can create paralyzing feelings of fear and shock. Alateen is a teen-focused support group where families of addicts can discuss the challenges of watching their teen’s harmful substance abuse and help each other heal in the process. Narc-Anon is another support group that includes individuals who have been dependent on narcotics sharing open dialogue and problem-solving in a group setting.

This final stage is considered relatively stable in comparison to the earlier three stages. This is because recovery is now solid, and attention can be turned back to the person with alcohol use disorder and the family. An item that may also be addressed in the early recovery stage is The Role Of Family Support In Addiction Recovery continual support within the family unit to stay focused on their own recovery. A mental health professional might have a multitude of functions in the beginning stage of transition. This stage is when couples work on individual healing versus the healing of the whole family unit.