Drug and alcohol addiction can impact every aspect of a person’s life. It can harm a person’s mental and physical health, damage relationships, and cause lasting damage to a person’s general well-being.

People with addiction are not the only ones who live with the effects of this condition. Family members, friends, and others in the community feel its impact, too.

Recovering from addiction requires appropriate treatment, patience, and a lot of support. Family support can benefit people in recovery and help them to maintain sobriety, even through challenges.

This article will explore the role of family support in addiction recovery.

If you or someone you love is in recovery, you are not alone. Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to learn about our treatment and support programs. We are happy to answer questions, verify insurance, or schedule appointments.

Understanding the Role of Family in Recovery

Substance abuse and addiction can alter entire family systems. Addiction can change the family dynamic, creating rifts between family members. Addiction experts often refer to addiction as a “family disease” because of how it impacts entire family systems.

Addiction can change how people communicate with one another. It can lead to broken promises, mistrust, anger, and resentment. Family members can feel helpless as they watch their loved one struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. They may feel powerless against this life-threatening condition.

However, family members can be crucial to a person’s recovery process. Family members may be some of the first people to recognize the signs of addiction. They may be instrumental in seeking life-saving treatment and providing support throughout recovery.

Research shows that people with family support typically have better recovery outcomes. Family members can provide unique, unconditional support and love that others often can’t.

Family support may help to:

• Encourage people with substance use disorder (SUD) to complete a treatment program
• Reduce feelings of guilt, shame, and loneliness
• Improve communications
• Identify harmful roles, behaviors, and beliefs within the family unit
• Give a clear picture of what to expect throughout addiction treatment and recovery

Recognizing the importance of family support may empower people to take an active role in their loved one’s recovery. If you love someone with an active addiction or a recovered person, you can take steps to support their journey to a healthier future.

Carolina Center for Recovery accepts many major insurance providers, including:

Check if my insurance covers rehab

How Can Families Support Someone in Recovery?

Family members can support a loved one in recovery in many ways. Here are some of the steps family members can take to provide structure, stability, and support for someone they love.

Learn about addiction and recovery

Learn about addiction as a disease. Explore reputable resources, including books and online support groups. Attend 12-step family meetings or other community support groups. The more you understand the disease of addiction, the better prepared you’ll be to provide non-judgmental support.

Provide emotional support

Many people in recovery struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, or loneliness. You may have your own feelings about your loved one’s addiction and behaviors, but offering non-judgmental emotional support is essential. Listen to your loved one and reassure them you love them.

Participate in family therapy

Many addiction treatment programs include family therapy. Participate in family therapy sessions if you are able. Family therapy can help families understand each other’s needs, set appropriate boundaries, and work together to solve their problems.

Stay connected

If you cannot physically visit your loved one or attend therapy sessions, find other ways to stay connected. Write emails, send texts, send care packages, or find different ways to keep in touch. Many people in recovery struggle with loneliness or isolation. Your support can be incredibly valuable and meaningful to someone in recovery.

Provide practical support

Providing practical support to someone in recovery is one way to demonstrate your love and commitment. Practical support may include:

• Providing child, pet, or home care while your loved one is in treatment
• Giving rides to and from appointments
• Helping a loved one navigate insurance
• Researching treatment options
• Connecting people with community resources
• Making appointments

One of the first steps you can take to support someone in recovery is to simply ask them what they need. People in recovery may have an idea of what would be helpful. What is useful to one person may not be helpful to another. If possible, let your loved one guide your support.

Work as closely with your loved one’s treatment team as possible. Many treatment centers offer support or education for family members. Take advantage of these and other community-based programs.

Finally, make sure you protect your own mental health as you work to support your loved one. Develop a support system of your own, including supportive friends, family, and professionals. Attend 12-step meetings for family members of addicted people. Go to counseling. Protect your mental health so that you can continue to support your addicted loved one.

Find Treatment and Support Now

If you or someone in your life needs treatment or support in recovery, you are not alone. Contact the Carolina Center for Recovery specialists to learn about our treatment and support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

References:

• National Institute of Health (NIH): Family Involvement in Treatment and Recovery for Substance Use Disorders among Transition-Age Youth: Research Bedrocks and Opportunities