Programs | For the Family Incorporating Family

When you have a loved one struggling with an addiction, it’s incredibly difficult. You wonder if you’re doing the right thing, what you could have done differently, if you should have seen signs of a problem sooner, etc. The ‘what-if’s’ and worries are never-ending, and all they do is tear at the threads of your already frayed psyche. The reality is that you’ve arrived at the point where you’re here, on our website, reading about the options available to you for your child, spouse, sibling, friend, or loved one. It’s time to let go of the what-if’s and focus on the ‘what now.’ You’ve recognized that there’s an issue and you need to take action, so what are the next steps?

First, take stock of the situation and give yourself a break. You are not all-knowing and all-seeing, and you can’t control every action that someone takes. While there are very likely family issues to be addressed during treatment, right now the focus is on getting your loved one to a safe place so that they can begin the process of healing. Once they’re in a program, the therapeutic work can begin on all of the emotions, including anger, guilt, fear, and ultimately, hope.

If your loved one is unwilling to enter treatment voluntarily, an intervention may be the next logical step. Utilizing a professional interventionist helps to keep things moving in a forward direction without getting caught up in the emotional chaos of the situation. While not always necessary, in some scenarios it’s helpful and allows you to maintain the role of a family member or friend, while someone else manages the process of getting your loved one to a program.

Programs | For the Family Family Coping Skills

Codependent behaviors are learned thoughts and attitudes that neglect your own needs and desire in favor of concern for a loved one and their problems.

Enabling behaviors support your loved one’s substance use disorder by removing consequences, maintaining a comfortable existence in which they can continue using.

It’s important to understand what codependency and enabling behaviors look like so that you can combat them. It’s really scary to implement consequences and maintain them, but the alternative is to support your loved one’s substance use. Though you may object, unless you identify and maintain consequences that show that you won’t tolerate the behaviors, you’re enabling the issue. Actions speak louder than words, and it’s beyond difficult emotionally to be in this position, but nothing will change if you allow it to remain the same.

Programs | For the Family Healing Together

Addiction is a scary word and an even more terrifying disease. It truly does impact the entire family and no one is left untouched by the damage and havoc it wreaks. It’s important to remember that there is hope – recovery is possible and your loved one and family can come through this. It’s not an easy journey but our team is here to offer support as you navigate the process. Wellness is not just the goal for our clients, but for the entire family. When everyone faces the situation and engages in healthy communication, true healing commences and you and your loved one begin the process of moving forward with the coping tools and strategies necessary for sustained recovery and ongoing healthy relationships. If you’re concerned about your loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. We can talk about the current situation and the next steps, developing a plan that works for you.