No doubt your family was part of the reason that you got treatment for your addiction, although they could have done nothing without your agreement and participation in the treatment program. The period right after rehab, is a very high risk time for relapse. Staying clean is your responsibility but there are things that your family can do to make the transition, from treatment back to the community, easier. Their help can increase the odds of your success. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and be humble enough to accept all that they are willing to give. Recovery does not end with rehab.
Many rehab centers have a family component and all family members are encouraged to participate. This resource that is made available to them can help them learn how to support the addict once they leave the center. There are also books available at the local library that will help them understand where you’ve been and how to help keep you from a relapse.
The family home should be void of all drugs, alcohol and intoxicating substances, providing an environment conducive to clean and sober living. If you really wanted the drugs and/or alcohol, you could get them but having them readily available in the home may be too big of a temptation to resist. Many recovering addicts relapse because of poor problem solving and coping skills. During the first few months the family can assist in any areas that are causing you undue stress allowing you to concentrate all of your energy on staying clean.
As your family is taking care of you, they need to be mindful of the fact that they need to take care of themselves at the same time. Your addiction may have caused pain for them and the effects of addiction can ripple through the family even after the addictive behavior is stopped. Professional family counseling or family peer group support services for addicts could help to heal the family unit. Keep in mind that recovery is ongoing and usually gets easier with time.
If your family was instrumental in your recovery, let us know how it worked for you. If you know someone who is having problems with drugs or alcohol let them know that help is only a phone call away. A Better Tomorrow is waiting to hear from them, to show them the way back.
If you need help, are struggling with an addiction, or know of someone who is, please contact A Better Tomorrow Treatment Center today. We are here to help.
http://www.abttc.net/
Phone: 800.971.1586
Fax: 800.401.8464
24 Hour Addiction HelpLine
Tel. (800) 396-9389 (7 days 24 hours)
e-mail: info@24houraddictionhelp.com
http://www.24houraddictionhelp.org/
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I doubt I'd be alive today if it hadn't been for my family. They pushed until they got me into treatment and they've been there every step of the way since then. They're the best. I ashamed when I think of all the things I did to them back in my using days. I hope to have the chance to make it up to each of them.
ReplyDeleteFamily is key, even if you feel they deserted you when you needed them most. They did what they had to do because you did what you did. Give them the benefit of the doubt if you can. You'll all be better off for it in the end.
ReplyDeleteNo matter what you've done, your family will always be your family. They will be your staunchest supporters. If things are wrong there, make them right as fast as you can.
ReplyDeleteMy family won't have anything to do with me yet but I'm still working on it. I hurt them badly but I have high hopes for the future. I've made it my goal to get back in their good graces, I don't care how long it takes me.
ReplyDelete