You’re not alone if one of your family members is struggling with addiction. According to Axios, around 27% of people have a loved one with a drug or alcohol addiction. While it can be challenging when your relative is dealing with an addiction, you play an important role as their family member.
This blog will discuss the family’s role in addiction recovery. We’ll also talk about how family addiction support can help your loved one on their sobriety journey.
Understanding Addiction as a Family Disease
Many people with drug or alcohol addictions may try to hide their activities in the beginning. Unfortunately, others in the household might notice that something is wrong as their loved one struggles. Even children aren’t as oblivious to their parent’s behavior and can notice changes in behavior sooner rather than later.
Some of the things in your family unit that may change as the addiction gets worse include:
- Tight finances
- Family roles changing
- Children beginning to copy a sibling’s or parent’s behavior
An addict’s actions will start to affect their entire household, despite their best efforts. How it impacts the family will look different depending on your family’s dynamics.
Ways You Can Provide Family Addiction Support
Supporting loved ones with addiction provides the affected individual with the foundation they need to stay on track. Family addiction support also helps to heal the family unit as they work together to cope.
Emotional Support
Emotional support is key to keeping individuals committed and motivated during recovery. Creating a non-judgemental and positive environment is key. Here are a few ways you can provide effective family addiction support:
- Validating their emotions
- Listening to their concerns and feelings
- Providing positive reinforcement and encouragement
Set Healthy Boundaries
Creating healthy boundaries is important for cultivating accountability and responsibility for the individual coping with addiction. Communicating clear boundaries prevents misunderstandings and confusion. This ensures that the person and their loved ones know what’s expected of them.
Examples of healthy boundaries may include:
- Setting limits on contact
- Establishing financial boundaries
Exploring Family Therapy
You and your family should look into attending family therapy. It’s a powerful tool for everyone involved, including your relative suffering from addiction. Some of the benefits of participating in family therapy include:
- Resolve conflicts
- Restore balance in family dynamics
- Improve communication skills
- Foster a more understanding and supportive environment
- Address deep-seated issues that may contribute to addiction
Encouraging all your family members to participate in therapy can equip them with the tools and knowledge they need.
Get Help With Family Addiction Support
We understand that it can be an overwhelming time when your loved one is struggling with addiction. Working together as a family unit and leaning on one another for support is key during this time. Partnering with a team of addiction counselors can enable you and your loved ones to make healthy decisions.
At HOPE Guides, we understand the importance of family in recovery. Our family addiction support services help you strengthen your familial connection and achieve success. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
