What Is the Role of The Family in The Addiction Recovery Process?

When it comes to the addiction recovery process, the family has a crucial role to play. The addiction has likely affected everyone inside the family. But while it may have changed family dynamics and eroded trust, this is a team where we families need to forgive and be supportive.

For much of the addiction, loved ones often feel helpless when seeing one of their own wedged in the clutches of addiction. Depending on how severe the addiction is, they may neglect and even become hostile when confronted by the issue.

However, the rehabilitation process is a formative time in which patients are looking for help and support. This will be a challenging time, but there are some helpful ways that families can get involved.

Joining Family Therapy

Taking part in family therapy alongside your recovering loved one can help you connect and recover together. The shared experience helps to remind family members that addiction is an ongoing issue. With this closer connection, families stay informed on current feelings and can provide more personalized support to ease their loved one’s road to recovery.

The best part is that communication between family members becomes stronger as they navigate through challenging situations together.

Preventing Relapses

When a person is on their recovery journey, there is a chance they may have a relapse somewhere down the road. Relapses do not mean that someone has failed rehabilitation, it is just a setback. Keep in mind that some may fully never tame their addictions.

To help prevent a possible relapse, be conscious of the indicators. If the recovering family member has stopped attending support group meetings, spends time with bad influences, or is battling painful or stressful emotions, they may want to relapse.

Looking For Social Support

A good support network is important during the early recovery stages. A group of friends and loved ones can help lessen the feelings of frustration and isolation during this period. Also, spend time with your loved one doing activities that help his or her recovery, as you keep open communications with each other.

Being vigilant of these signs and staying patient will provide a safe and trusting support system for those dealing with addiction. However, to get the best results for dealing with an addiction, contacting a counselor should be your top priority.

Horizon Counselling, based in southern British Columbia, offers counselling and therapy for those suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma, and addictions. If you have any questions about this article or would like to schedule an appointment for counselling, please call us at (778) 869-3379.