Families and other loved ones can play an important role in helping their loved one maintain abstinence, but there is often great uncertainty about how they can support their loved one.
The expectations, planning, and then the reality of their family member actually returning home can lead to a whirlwind of emotions for everyone who lives with them. This is not a bad thing because using this energy toward being prepared for a loved one’s return home can do a lot to support their recovery.
Supporting Your Loved One’s New Routine
You will want to be in touch with your loved one’s counselor if possible to learn about what you can do to support their routines in recovery when they return home. Most likely there will be an emphasis on attending support group meetings, and also continued one-on-one counseling. Be sure to have clear roles established as to who will support transportation to and from these important recovery support activities.
Creating a Peaceful and Supportive Home Environment
You will want to remove drugs and alcohol from your house, but beyond that you may want to think further on how to support your loved one by what you can do to reduce cravings.
Creating a peaceful environment helps reduce risk and sets the stage for healing. Families can take the following steps:
- Remove any alcohol, drugs, or related items from the home. Ask your loved one to disclose any hidden stashes.
- Create a calm space for relaxation or meditation so that your loved one can get privacy.
- Set clear boundaries about behavior and responsibilities, such as chores or meeting attendance.
- Encourage healthy routines like regular meals and sleep.
- Plan positive activities that do not involve substance use, family movie night or special outings together.
These steps show care and can help provide clear expectations. They can also help your loved one feel supported without feeling controlled.
Family Healing: Cleaning Up After the Storm
This part of the process is one that many family members are not prepared for: learning how to cope with the aftermath in their own lives. While your loved one focuses on recovery, you, too, will navigate the changes, emotions, and challenges that come with this new chapter. What happens next will shape the road ahead for the whole family.
When a loved one is caught in the whirlwind of addiction, it often brings significant disruption to the family. As they begin their healing and rebuilding process in treatment, family members also start to face their own set of challenges. The emotional and relational impact of addiction can leave behind a complex landscape that requires care and attention.
Caring for yourself also sets a positive example. It shows that healthy living is truly possible and important for everyone. When family members are rested and balanced, they are better able to provide support.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward healing. Seeking therapy, support groups, and education about addiction can help families navigate this difficult journey. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! The journey can have plenty of joy along the way.
Tools For Healing From Addiction as a Family
Addiction is a disease that affects the whole family. Families, like people in recovery, have options when it comes to learning to adapt to their loved one’s addiction and recovery. There are many ways families can seek out the support of others.
- Al-Anon Family Groups: Al-Anon is a support group for families who have suffered as a result of one of their member’s struggle with drugs and/or alcohol. It offers a supportive group of others who have similar experiences and teaches group members healthy coping skills. Research indicates Al-Anon can lead to improved personal well-being and family dynamics. Almost 90 percent of group members in a 2019 survey said that group participation has improved their mental health.
- Codependents Anonymous (CoDA): CoDA is a support group that helps people recognize patterns of codependency. Many families with addicted members may have other participants who have controlling behaviors or with low self-esteem who rely on others for self-worth. CoDA helps people address these patterns and work towards healthier interactions and personal growth.
- SMART Recovery Family & Friends: SMART Recovery offers what they describe as a “science-based alternative” to traditional 12-step programs, focusing on empowering the addicted person using evidence-based strategies. The Family & Friends program helps provide tools and support for those affected by a loved one’s addiction. They rely heavily on techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy to encourage positive change.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy involves structures sessions with a licensed therapist to address dysfunctional patterns within the family unit. Therapy has been shown to enhance recovery outcomes and help family members feel more supported.
- Individual Therapy: Individual therapy can provide a private setting for family members to process emotions, develop coping strategies, and focus on personal growth. Some issues caused by addiction can cause anxiety, depression, or trauma for other family members and are better processed one-on-one.
Addiction affects the whole family, but recovery offers each person the opportunity to grow, heal, and strengthen bonds. When a loved one goes away to treatment, it’s a great time to regroup and focus on your own healing. Engaging in these support groups and therapeutic approaches can significantly help with challenges surrounding a loved one’s addiction. At Costa Rica Recovery, we’ve seen how these steps foster not only individual growth but renewed family unity and resilience.
About the Author
Mark Gladden is a proud U.S. veteran who has been serving the recovery community of San Diego for a decade as founder and CEO of Present Moments Recovery. Present Moments Recovery is a leading addiction treatment program for adults in San Diego that provides the entire continuum of care, from detox to sober living and outpatient care. If you’re looking for help to battle addiction and live a sober life, contact Present Moments Recovery at (619) 367-4767.