Family members and friends of loved ones suffering from an addiction play a crucial role in the recovery process, however it is crucial to ensure that they don’t take on the role of being accountable for the individual. A total of two million in the USA struggle with addiction. Addiction is the strong and uncontrollable urge to consume substances, drink alcohol, or perform a specific task, like gambling.
Angie Cullen (Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners (FDAP)) is the psychiatrist nurse who conducts our family support groups at the Alcohol Rehab Places, explains why this isn’t really helping in the long-term: “At Alcohol Rehab Places Los Angeles they strive to help families of patients. They serve to take full responsibility in their actions and not those of the loved ones who are suffering from addiction. The addict must be able to accept responsibility for their actions and take responsibility for their actions. This is an essential component of recovery and assists in building self-esteem.
If someone is struggling with addiction, their behavior may affect many people, including their family members and friends who live with them. It is believed that an addict’s condition is a major influence upon at the very least 6 others. It’s the natural desire of family and friends to to assist their loved ones. But, this could result in them becoming too accountable for the person they love and is sometimes referred to as enabling, since this kind of behavior enables addicts to not take responsibility for themselves, which encourages the idea of denial.
Families frequently are able to benefit from learning about the condition and to share their experiences
The family sessions they offer in Alcohol Treatment Facility Los Angeles, are open to people who are close to the person. People visit them to learn about the disease and the symptoms it brings. They also are able to benefit from listening and sharing their experiences with other people in the same position regardless of whether it’s for drinking, drugs, gambling or another addiction.
Angie says: “As the illness develops families and friends may feel isolated and therefore, attending these meetings helps them realize that they aren’t alone. A lot of people start with the belief that the person who is addicted is the issue and nobody else is affected but soon realize there are many people affected. The process of coming to terms with addiction can be a difficult experience for those affected. Families often experience massive stress, and also guilt and shame. They also have to deal with denial. When they attend our family sessions, families feel a sense of relief to finally talk about the things they’ve been through. There are some who have several sessions, and they also provide 24/7 phone assistance. One-on-one therapy is available when needed.
“Many addicts have difficulty to handle stressful situations. They discover that alcohol can be used immediately Other coping strategies do not work as fast. While they’re here patients learn to control stress, what triggers are and what are alternative strategies to avoid addiction-related behaviors.
“We advise patients to inform everyone in their families regarding their struggles with addiction. It is essential to inform them of ways to assist with recovery and particularly after treatment.”
Families’ involvement could be a way to overcome the illusion of denial
Alcohol Rehabilitation Centres Los Angeles generally occurs in conjunction with our intense 28-day Addiction Treatment Programme. In the beginning of this the patient is encouraged to request their family members and/or their friends to write and mail an open letter in which the family or friends describe the effects that the addiction of the patient has caused on them. It can be a difficult and challenging process, but it can assist in breaking any long-lasting denial, and allow people to be open.
We give all family members a family packet and encourage them to get in touch with us to attend one of the support sessions which are held on a biweekly basis.
