The Role Family Plays in Recovery

The Relationship Between Recovery & Family Life

While we typically focus on the addicted person, when an individual struggles with drug or alcohol addiction, they are not the only ones affected by their actions. Family members, friends, and colleagues will often be negatively impacted as well.

When that person decides to seek help for their substance abuse issues, having family members around them as a support system can make a big difference. Here’s what you should know if your loved one is struggling with substance abuse.

How Relationships Can Be Affected by Addiction

Although the person struggling with addiction is heavily affected, the people that care for them are also facing the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Some of the many ways that familial relationships can be negatively impacted by addiction can include:

Increased aggression with loved ones.
An increase in deceptive behaviors.
Isolation from loved ones.
Loved ones taking on the role of a caretaker.
Creating financial instability.
Verbally and physically abusive behaviors.
Increased risk of disease.

Coping With Having an Addicted Family Member

When having an addicted family member or loved one, it can take a toll on your emotional health. Fortunately, there are ways that you can cope with your situation and get a better understanding of what your addicted loved one is experiencing.

Some things you can try include:

Educate yourself about their addiction.
Seek out support groups for friends and family members.
Seek counseling of your own.
Encourage the addicted person to seek professional help.
Set boundaries with your addicted loved one.
Work on your communication skills.
Know when to say no.

Providing Support During Treatment & Recovery

Supportive relationships play a key role when it comes to navigating addiction treatment and the recovery process. By being an active participant and attending family therapy, you can show your loved one that you’re present and you care about their well-being.

Helping with Aftercare

Especially if a person entering recovery lives with their family, those around them can help keep them accountable as they continue their journey toward a life of sobriety. As a support system, you can help your loved one set boundaries to support them on days when they may feel like giving up on their recovery journey.

Alternative Addiction Treatment in Arizona

Decision Point Center is a licensed drug and alcohol addiction and substance use disorder treatment facility that offers co-occurring and dual diagnosis disorder treatment in Prescott, Arizona.

Using a combination of modern techniques for the successful rehabilitation of our clients, we provide a safe, secure environment to help people achieve lifelong sobriety.

We take a personalized approach to your treatment and will work with you to design an individualized plan to meet your needs. Let us be the first step in your journey toward long-term recovery.