The support of family, as a loved one is going through treatment for a substance use disorder, is a critical part of recovery. There are many ways that families can support someone during the process. Many family therapies actually complement traditional treatments and therapies and work alongside treatment plans. Addiction affects not only the person using the substance but also those around them. Being able to heal as a family to better understand addiction and the role families play in recovery is the best path for all involved.
For more information on family support groups and how you can be involved in a loved one’s substance use disorder treatment and recovery, call on The Arbor today at 844.413.2690.
What Is a Family Support Group?
A family support group is a support group that can both help families better understand addiction and learn how to best help a loved one through the treatment and recovery process. Addiction really is a family disease, and everyone in the family can be affected by another family member’s addiction.
Most families struggle with the same feelings of guilt surrounding a loved one battling an addiction. Known as the 3Cs, they are:
- You didn’t cause the addiction
- You can’t control the addiction/addicted person
- You can’t cure the addiction
Making recovery a family process benefits everyone in the family. Sharing feelings, asking questions, and learning more about addiction will be the focus of family therapy and support groups. In an open and supportive environment, families can discuss things like healthy boundaries, managing emotions, effective coping techniques, the right kind of support, and 12-step programs.
The Importance of Family Support in Addiction Recovery
Families who have participated in a family support group would describe it as an understanding, inclusive, welcoming, and therapeutic environment. Being among a community of people who understand what you are going through as you navigate the unknown is highly beneficial. You have the opportunity to learn from others as well as share your own insights.
Family support groups address:
- Why addiction is considered a disease
- Signs of a relapse
- How to avoid a relapse
- How groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon can help
- How to make the most of support programs
- The importance of self-respect
- Setting boundaries
- Healthy expression of emotions
- Managing negative emotions
- Coping strategies for stress and triggers
- Letting go of guilt
Coping with the guilt associated with an addiction can be one of the heaviest crosses to bear for both the family and the addicted individual. As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20, and everyone can blame their past actions unnecessarily. Therapy helps to let go of the past and its negative association so families can focus on the future together. Hanging on to the layers of guilt and blame can prevent any healing from happening. This is why this is such a focus at a professional treatment center.
Get the Help Your Family Needs in Addiction Recovery at The Arbor
The Arbor encourages a family’s participation in one’s treatment and recovery journey. There are many ways to be involved in the process, including a weekly support group for families that meets via Zoom on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm local time. The support group is open to the entire community at large to support each other with the struggles of having a loved one with a substance use disorder. The bottom line is that recovering from an addiction is not a solo journey. You truly need a village comprised of therapeutic professionals, peers, and family to support lifelong recovery.
Call the talented and caring team at The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 or use our online contact form. The help that you and your family need is right around the corner.