When a family has a member struggling with addiction, it is easy to fall under the weight of worry. Simultaneously, societal shame causes families to isolate themselves from society to deal with pain. There are many resources regarding support for individuals struggling with addiction, but it is not always the same story for their families. It is vital, during this crisis, to remain connected to a community. This article discusses the importance of staying connected to friends and family, even amid a crisis. As you reach out to your community, you can better support your loved ones through their journey. More importantly, you can get out from under the worries of substance abuse.
How Addiction Affects Families
An article published in BMJ Open revealed that more than 100 million family members have a relative who is struggling with addiction. Another study by Social Work in Public Health showed that immediate family members who are struggling with this disease can cause a significant strain on family dynamics and emotional development. The effects of loving someone who is battling addiction can result in emotions of guilt, sadness, and embarrassment. These feelings can make it easier for you and your family to neglect self-care and boundaries. However, this is when your mental health and space matter most.
While the one being affected may be seeking treatment, your family needs to seek help similarly. This can be in support groups, with other families in the same situation, or even with caring friends. While our first inclination as a family going through a crisis is to isolate, this can further the depression that may be occurring. Keeping lines of communication open to the sources brings these problems to light. Talking through these issues can often take some of the fear out of the situation. There needs to be a discussion of the problems and possible solutions.
Become Educated About Addiction
Some of the anger loved ones experience stems from not understanding their loved one’s habits. It can be a source of anger when we don’t know why their addiction exists or why they can’t simply quit. To help with these emotions, it helps to research addiction. Finding out how addiction starts and how they affect the user gives insight into the reality of the situation. The fear of the unknown can be powerful. Yet, understanding addiction’s chemical and emotional elements can soothe this frustration. The research provides a different perspective, helping you empathize with your loved one.
Similarly, it can rid you of your guilt about the situation. Some members feel they could have done more to stop addiction, but the truth is, sometimes the signs of addiction are not recognizable until it takes effect. Also, learning about how addiction manipulates brain chemistry and brain synapses shows how users are victims of their use. Finally, addiction is a disease that requires treatment, just like a medical issue. Knowing this can put the situation in a manageable light. The key is to put your mind at ease.
Why Social Support is Vital for Family Members
You are not alone in your battle against addiction effects. There are millions of families affected who are learning right along with you. That is why connecting with peers is so important. No matter where you live, there are support groups available to you. This involves meeting with those going through similar situations. There are many reasons to join a support group, but some include searching for a better quality of life, lower stress levels, and improving mental health. These meetings can also be used for goal setting and focusing on new mindsets throughout the day.
It can be challenging to reach out to others, especially when looking for fellowship. However, the benefits that come from connecting with others can change the perspective on life. Hearing other individuals talk about what you are experiencing can help categorize your constant worry. It is not selfish to focus on your mental health. That self-care will aid your loved one far more than your worry. Not only will this help the individual struggling with addiction, but it will continue to preserve the family’s happiness amidst these turbulent times.
Our Treatment
One study published by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health discovered that family members who collaborate with drug addiction treatment centers help reduce drug relapse tendencies in the user. At First Steps Recovery, we value our patients’ families. We believe that addiction should not be fought alone. Families are one of the best resources for support and comfort.
Yet we also think families themselves deserve support and comfort. In your visits, we always aim to serve you and your needs. Residential treatment centers should take the guesswork out of your loved one’s treatment. Our services keep you updated on your loved one’s treatment and recovery. This takes the worry out of the process, leaving you to focus on each other. We not only promise to dedicate our time to those battling addiction but also to support those they love.
Addiction not only affects the individual, but it hurts those they love. Through addiction treatment, we aim to restore those who are addicted. Beyond that, we aim to provide comfort and support to the families involved. We understand the necessity of safety and peace. Know that our services aim to achieve long-term sobriety, resulting in lifelong security. If you, or a loved one, is struggling with addiction, we ask you to consider First Steps Recovery. Wherever you are in your habit, we can help you begin a journey of complete recovery, Families remain involved in this process, always being alerted through updates. For more information about the center, please call (844) 489-0836.
Addiction not only affects the individual, but it hurts those they love. Through addiction treatment, we aim to restore those who are addicted. Beyond that, we aim to provide comfort and support to the families involved. We understand the necessity of safety and peace. Know that our services aim to achieve long-term sobriety, resulting in lifelong security. If you, or a loved one, is struggling with addiction, we ask you to consider First Steps Recovery. Wherever you are in your habit, we can help you begin a journey of complete recovery, Families remain involved in this process, always being alerted through updates. For more information about the center, please call (844) 489-0836.
