Family’s role in treating addiction
Confused or terrified of living with an addict? You are not the only one!
Many families experience these feelings, along with the inevitable anger and even fear. Despite that, it is always necessary to react with a cool head in unpredictable situations which are constantly being repeated when it comes to drugs, gambling, alcoholism… And everything regarding treating addiction just seems to be taking too long…
But how do you deal with someone else’s problem that threatens you and your family, in a healthy way?
A healthy response would be to deal with the problem and solve it with effective methods.
Have your reactions always been effective?
Experience shows that some of them are even harmful.
Namely, most families adjust to the dependence of their member by behaving like addicts themselves. They also tend to deceive themselves and deny the situation. They downplay the problem, deny it, make up excuses.
This kind of adjustment is not good for you nor your family. It can only worsen the situation, as well as the addiction of your family member. For example, an addict will create an image that his behavior will not be punished, so he/she will be inclined to repeat it…
TIPS FOR FAMILY MEMBERS WHICH HELP FIGHT THE ADDICTION
1. Acknowledge the problem
Let the addict acknowledge a problem by not covering it up.
The essence is for the addict to experience the consequences of taking the substance and to make his/her addictive behavior more difficult.
This actually makes it easier for a family member struggling with addiction to take the first step.
2. Don’t be an accomplice (any more)
You must not allow an addict to manipulate you. Don’t fall for lies and deceptions (any more).
Form a “united front” with other family members in the fight against addiction. Don’t let a vicious circle be created so you don’t know who is saying or doing what. That only creates a situation in which you can be controlled. Collaborate with other family members and think of your unique reactions to the situations.
3. Keep a cool head and stick to the evidence
In order to be able to react reasonably, you need to make important decisions when you are calm. Then you can confront the addict with evidence.
It is necessary to follow what is happening to him / her. Who do they communicate with, how do they spend their free time, what happens in their life…
4. Seek the support of friends and family, but also professional help
Your problem is not a minor one. Understandably, you need help solving it. If a family member or a friend lacks support battling addiction, do consult a professional.
Family therapy has been shown to help best in the treatment of various types of addiction. It involves working with families and sponsors in order for them to exchange their experience and to bring relief. But also offer new strategies of help.
HOW CAN LORIJEN BE OF SERVICE?
Let us offer you support when you need it the most.
LORIJEN’s expert team, within our FAST Recovery program, helps family members of addicts find the right, useful way to approach the problem. Because it is not easy for you to fight the addiction of person who is near and dear.
We will educate you about the scale of the problem and the most effective ways to deal with it. You will also be included in the appropriate family therapy group.
To become a good sponsor in the treatment of people close to you, contact us at +381 69 30 88 090, +381 69 30 88 091 (mobile, WhatsApp, Viber) or via this link
