Addiction is a family disease and affects the lives of those who struggle with it and the lives of loved ones. Treatment prepares your loved one for a new, sober lifestyle in recovery. Healing from addiction takes time and a lot of work to restore health and spiritual well being. Family members also need time to heal after a loved one’s addiction.
Addiction leads to financial problems, physical and mental health issues, job loss, and broken relationships. Regaining trust and rebuilding relationships with your loved one will take some time. If your loved one is addicted, his or her recovery process begins with treatment. In treatment, he or she will learn how to cope without using drugs or alcohol, prepare for challenges, and learn how to make a seamless transition into a new, sober lifestyle.
Ways Family Can Heal
Family needs to heal after a loved one’s addiction. Family and loved ones should learn about addiction by attending family therapy sessions and support groups. This allows family to discuss feelings, listen to other peoples’ experiences, and gain insight about addiction. Family members need to be honest with each other. Trust is compromised if anyone lies or hides anything from each other. It helps to have meaningful conversations so everyone can begin to heal.
During the healing process, everyone can experience a range of emotions. A family therapist or individual counselor can guide family on the best way to talk to their loved one. It is crucial that family members do not shame, guilt, or demean their loved one’s addictive behavior. He or she already feels helpless, hopeless, and unworthy. Family members need to encourage their loved one’s sobriety, use positive language, and acknowledge his or her accomplishments in recovery.
Staying Healthy
As a family member with a loved one in recovery, you need to make time for yourself and continue doing things that are enjoyable and pleasing to you. Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Addiction does not discriminate by age, race, sex, or professional status. A family can heal after addiction. It requires consistency, patience, and forgiveness, to strengthen broken relationships.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or a substance use disorder, you are not alone. Do not be afraid to ask for help. While there is no cure for addiction, it is treatable and there is hope in recovery.
Contact Cypress Lakes Lodge at 409-331-2204 today or visit us online for more information about our addiction treatment programs!