One aspect of an addiction treatment program is rebuilding damaged family relationships. Often, family members are the first to be hurt when someone is struggling with substance abuse. For treatment to proceed successfully, it is vital that family members understand their loved one’s treatment program and what it entails.
Each person’s treatment program will vary based on the type of substances abused, length of addiction, whether there are co-occurring disorders present, and so on. It is essential that family members remember that recovery is an ongoing process that isn’t finished just because their loved one completed an inpatient treatment program.
For the person recovering from addiction, sobriety is a day-by-day process. They must take things one day at a time. When the time comes to explain your addiction treatment to your family, you need to be willing to open up and share and answer their questions as best as you can.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, be honest and simply tell them you do not know. This will go a long way in rebuilding trust and your relationship with your family. To help you prepare to explain your treatment to your family, remember the following:
Your Treatment Is a Learning Process
Most people who have never faced addiction do not fully realize that treatment is an ongoing learning process. You are learning day-by-day how to take care of yourself, avoid relapses, and improve your body, mind, and spirit.
Family Support Is Needed – Not Control
It is easy for family members to want to control you after your recovery because they believe they are helping. However, it is essential you explain to them that family support is needed to encourage you and listen to you. Yet, their control over you and your treatment is not helpful.
Addiction Is an Illness
Some family members may think addiction is a choice you made. It is worth your time to explain to any family members who think this way that your addiction is an illness which requires ongoing treatment because there is no cure.
Family Therapy Is Essential
It is not uncommon for your family to have feelings of resentment, guilt, and others toward you. They may feel that they are responsible for your substance abuse problem. Once they can address these feelings, they will be in a better place to provide the support and encouragement you need. Family therapy can help resolve these issues and others.
Sober Living Is a Way of Life
For you, sober living is now a way of life. Sometimes family members will not understand this. They may think that once you have completed treatment there is no reason why you cannot just resume your normal life.
If your family doesn’t understand this concept or you are still working out family issues caused by your substance abuse problem, it can be beneficial to consider a sober living group home. This will provide a safe environment as you gradually return to your normal routines after completing your inpatient addiction treatment program.
For more information about our residential inpatient treatment program and Southern California detox programs, please feel free to contact Adelante Recovery Center at (949) 427-9099 today! Our Southern California recovery center offers top-rated inpatient and sober living residential treatment programs in tranquil settings that promote healing and wellness.