When people are struggling with addiction, their families are often the first to suffer. The impact of addiction can cause rifts, communication breakdowns, and financial instability. In some cases, addiction can even lead to violence.
Family support importance needs to be acknowledged and prioritized when an individual is in addiction and seeking recovery. Red Oak Recovery® knows that addiction can take a toll on families, and we believe that family support can make all the difference in a person’s recovery. Our family counseling program in Asheville North Carolina helps families build strong, healthy relationships that will last a lifetime.
Family Support Importance During Recovery
Recovery is a process, and it’s important to have a strong support system during this time. Family support can provide love, understanding, and stability during a time when everything feels uncertain.
When family members are supportive, it can make all the difference in a person’s ability to stay sober. In fact, research has shown that people who have strong family support are more likely to stay in recovery and avoid relapse. Because of family support importance, addiction recovery is a team effort.
Family Support and Addiction Recovery
Addiction usually starts with the person struggling abusing substances, but it quickly becomes a disease. Addiction can lead to changes in brain function that cause problems with:
- Self-control
- Judgment
- Decision-making
- Learning and memory
- Behavior
All of these changes can impact how well people function at work, at home, and in their relationships. As addiction takes hold, individuals who are struggling may start to isolate themselves from their family and friends.
This isolation can cause feelings of shame, guilt, and despair. A person may start to lie or steal to get money for drugs or alcohol. As the addiction progresses, they may engage in risky behaviors, like driving while intoxicated, which can put themselves and others in danger.
The family may start to feel like they are walking on eggshells, never knowing what will happen next. They may also start to blame themselves, thinking they could have done something to prevent the addiction.
It’s important to understand that addiction is a disease, and no one is to blame. Family support and addiction recovery go hand-in-hand. The family needs to be there for the person struggling, just as the person struggling needs to be open to recovery.
Family Support Recovery Attitudes
Recovery is a process, and it’s not always easy. There will be good days and bad days, and it’s important to have a support system in place during both. That’s where family support recovery attitudes come in.
If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, there are many ways you can support their recovery. Here are some things you can do:
- Acceptance: It’s important to accept that addiction is a disease. This doesn’t mean that you are condoning the person’s behavior, but it does mean that you understand that they are sick and need help.
- Unconditional love: Showing your loved one that you love them no matter what can be incredibly powerful. It can help them feel like they are not alone and that they have someone to lean on.
- Patience: Addiction recovery is a process, and there will be ups and downs. It’s important to be patient and to encourage your loved one to keep going, even when it’s tough.
- Encouragement: Addiction recovery can be daunting, and your loved one may feel like they can’t do it. Encourage them and let them know that you believe in them.
- Get them help: If your loved one is ready to get help, offer to do whatever you can to support their recovery. This may include going to counseling appointments with them or helping them get their appointment at Red Oak Recovery®.
Supporting a loved one through addiction recovery can be difficult, but it’s so important. Family support recovery attitudes are essential to long-term recovery, and it can make all the difference.
Find Family Therapy For Addiction at Red Oak Recovery®
Red Oak Recovery® understands the family support importance in our clients lives, which is why we offer family therapy for addiction as part of our comprehensive treatment program. Our family counselors work with families to help them heal the wounds of addiction and build strong, healthy relationships.
And if you’re looking for a family therapy addiction treatment program, we invite you to call us at 866.457.7590 Red Oak Recovery®. We know that by strengthening the family unit, we can help our clients build a foundation for lasting recovery.