Addiction is a dependency on drugs and/or alcohol that can harm physical health, mental health, relationships, and so much more. The substance becomes the most important thing, causing pain to themselves, their friends, and their family.
A strong support system is invaluable in the fight against addiction. It makes it easier to avoid and bounce back from setbacks, and it increases the likelihood of successful recovery.
Understanding Addiction and Its Effects on Families
The cycle of addiction starts with a compulsive urge to use the substance, then turns into a physical craving. Even as negative consequences begin to show, the person loses more and more control. This affects everyone around them, often creating dysfunctional family dynamics.
Family members tend to fall into roles like:
- The addicted one, who tends to blame others for their problems
- The hero, who tries to control things and keep up appearances
- The lost child, who is overshadowed by the rest of the family
- The enabler, who sets poor boundaries and makes excuses for the addicted one
- The mascot, who uses humor as a coping mechanism
- The scapegoat, who gets blamed for various family problems
Addiction negatively affects everyone in the family, but relatives should recognize that addiction is an illness and not a moral failure. This doesn’t excuse bad behavior, but it can help explain why it starts.
The Power of Support and Encouragement
Receiving healthy family support helps a person feel truly loved and valued. When relatives are willing to actively listen, communicate and understand recovery, it shows their efforts are genuine and reminds individuals they have so much to fight for.
Supporting a loved one isn’t the same as enabling them. It means creating a safe, non-judgmental environment that will make them feel heard and appreciated while holding them accountable.
Educating and Involving the Family
Healing the whole family starts with learning more about the nature of substance abuse and how it is treated. It’s also important to attend regular family therapy sessions, in which members can identify the roles they’ve played and learn to create new, healthy ones. This improves family functioning and prepares them to support their loved one (and each other) after treatment.
Setting Boundaries and Promoting Accountability
Addiction recovery is a process that often requires a degree of “tough love.” It’s important to set clear, healthy boundaries and respect one another’s limits. Recovery is also an opportunity to start holding one another accountable and acting more responsibly. This builds healthy relationships and serves as a model for the recovering addict.
Coping with Relapses
Relapse is actually a common part of the long-term recovery process. For families, it’s critical to set aside personal feelings of disappointment and respond with compassion and patience. It’s easy to get upset, but it’s important not to turn to nagging. Family should simply offer continued emotional support and encourage the person to get back on track.
Self-Care for Family Members
Supporting a loved one through addiction recovery takes a mental, emotional and sometimes physical toll. Taking time for self-care is important for managing stress and staying resilient.
Suggestions for self-care include:
- Regular self-check-ins to watch for signs of burnout
- Maintaining a healthy social life with others outside the family
- Eating well and exercising regularly
- Engaging in healthy, enjoyable activities and hobbies
- Seeking personal support or individual therapy as needed
Celebrating Milestones and Progress
One of the best ways to reinforce a person’s commitment to sobriety is to acknowledge their hard work. By recognizing and celebrating even small achievements, families can create a positive and motivating atmosphere in the home. Whether it’s a sobriety anniversary or simply choosing not to attend an event where there may be alcohol, every little win is worth acknowledging.
Preparing for Life Beyond Rehab
After treatment, it can be challenging to transition from a highly structured environment back into typical life. Treatment centers can help clients arrange things like housing, employment and continuing support options, but individuals should also take time to plan for addressing potential challenges and temptations.
It’s also important for individuals in recovery to have a good support network outside of the family.
You Can Be a Positive Force in Your Loved One’s Recovery
If your loved one is battling an addiction, you can be a powerful source of support and motivation. By offering unwavering compassion and encouragement, you and other family members can significantly bolster your loved one’s chances of both short- and long-term success.
At Del Arroyo Recovery Center, we know the importance of family in recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how to support your loved one.
