Addiction is often considered a family disease. That’s because not only is addiction rooted in trauma that occurs or begins in childhood, it also often takes a family effort when an addict finally gets help.
If you have a loved one that is struggling with addiction, and they need help, here are some steps you can take to be there for them while taking care of yourself and the rest of your family.
Attend family therapy sessions. As part of your loved one’s recovery, you may be asked to attend family counseling sessions with your loved one facing addiction. These sessions can be important because they will address enabling behaviors that can often happen within the family unit. These sessions are also great opportunities for educating family members about the nature of addiction, including family roles within the recovery and addiction process, information on what is helpful and harmful for the addict, and identifying methods for rebuilding trust within the family unit.
Seek out help for yourself. The addict in your family isn’t the only one who will need professional help. You and the rest of your family will need that support as well. Spouses, children, and parents can experience emotional trauma, as well as potential legal, financial, medical, and other consequences. Family members and loved ones may also blame themselves for their loved one’s struggles. That’s why it may be necessary for you to seek help from a therapist or counselor who can help you work through your emotions and potential trauma related to your addicted loved one. This will not only be beneficial for your mental health but also your relationship with the individual struggling with addiction.
Build your support system. Supporting a loved one with an addiction can be exhausting and stressful. You can’t do it alone. You will need the support of other family members and friends. This support system may just be there for you to talk to or may be there to help you clean your house or do the grocery shopping.
Set boundaries. When you have a loved one facing addiction it is easy for that to become your entire life. You spend your time worrying about that person, cleaning up their messes, or working with them through recovery. That’s not a healthy way to live. It is important that if you are the loved one of an addict that you set clear boundaries — with your emotions, with your time, with your money, and with what you are willing to do for them. These boundaries need to be healthy for you and help to set expectations for your loved one.
More than 23 million Americans struggle with some sort of drug or alcohol addiction. That means millions and millions of family members are struggling along with them. If you find yourself in this situation, you must be able to take care of yourself so that you can help your loved one. For more information, the team at Serenity at Summit can help.
