How to Support a Family Member in Rehab

Addiction affects all those that are exposed to the addict and is more often than not hit hardest on family members. When you play a role in getting a family member into rehab, you will experience a multitude of feelings. This can be extremely overwhelming and at times hard to keep in check.

If you have found yourself in the position of supporting a family member in rehab there are some important things to keep in mind at all times.

First off, any family member affected by another’s addiction should seek help themselves to understand the addiction and work through how it has effected their life. However, outside of that, some other important factors must be followed.

When your loved one is admitted into a rehabilitation center for addiction, it is important to not break the rules. They will be discussed with you in detail as well as given to you in written form. If a rule demands that you do not bring in even chewing gum to your family member, do not do it. The rules are there for the best interest of your family member; not to punish or torture them. Even if you do not like the rules or disagree with them, remember always, it is in the best interest of your family member and others in rehab.

In the beginning, visitation may be restricted, however, when it is allowed visit when you can, if it is the right thing for you and the therapist working with your family member advises.

Often time’s therapist will invite you to partake in family sessions. These can be invaluable to both you and your family member in rehab. Participate openly and honestly during these sessions. Do not minimize the situation as not to hurt your family members feeling or to cause an upset. This is the time to make sure your feelings are also heard honestly and will play a large role in your family members’ acceptance of the depth of their addiction as well as help work towards their recovery.

Honor your family members’ privacy. If they choose not to share with others on the outside their location, keep it private unless they give you permission otherwise.

Before bringing anything into the facility talk to the staff and ask what is appropriate for your family member in regards to gifts, magazines, etc.

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/

Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow

Family Support is the Key

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/

Feel free to follow us on Facebook and Twitter too!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ABTomorrow
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ABTomorrow