Going to rehab is often far less intimidating when you have supportive family members and friends to cheer you on. Unfortunately, not every addict has a large number of people in their corner. Addiction has a very damaging effect on personal relationships, especially when the delay in seeking treatment is prolonged. The good news is that in rehab, you’ll always have encouragement and support. There will definitely be opportunities for your own relatives and acquaintances to reach out, but if even if they don’t, you won’t be alone.
As you start your recovery, the most important thing that you can do is to be there for yourself. Going to rehab is a time to focus on your own needs, goals, and health. This is why some people are highly encouraged to enter inpatient rehab. Inpatient treatment is designed to separate patients from outside stressors and triggers. These stressors include familial relationships that cause anxiety, guilt, shame, or other negative emotions. As you heal, develop better coping techniques, and establish a solid, sustainable plan for managing your addiction over time, you’ll make new friends. You’ll also discover new opportunities to mend many of the relationships that you’ve lost.
The Role That Family Plays in Addiction and in Addiction Treatment
Addiction is often referred to as a family disease. When someone is addicted, everyone in the home plays a role. Some people enable their loved ones’ addictions by covering for their behaviors, paying their debts, or giving them money among other things. Some family members simply fade quietly into the background and let their own needs go unmet. Others act as family jesters, and others still take on the role of black sheep. In short, your addiction has had an impact on everyone in your household, and everyone will need their own time to heal.
There’s also the issue of damaged trust. People who make using drugs or alcohol their first priority often break promises. They may steal, lie, and engage in other behaviors that harm their relationships. Giving your family time to reach a place of forgiveness may be your best bet. As addicts work on themselves, their family members are encouraged to seek counseling of their own.
During addiction treatment, your case manager or counselor may suggest arranging family visits and family therapy sessions. These sessions can be especially important when recovering addicts plan to return home after rehab. Family therapy in addiction treatment improves communication, addresses enabling behaviors, and helps relatives of recovering addicts learn safe and actually helpful ways of supporting their loved ones. Even if your family members decide not to attend on-campus therapy sessions, they can still work with therapists of their own to learn more about addiction, improve their support skills, and move through the healing process.
In some instances, returning home after addiction treatment may not be the best or the safest choice. This is certainly true when other family members are actively using drugs or alcohol in the home. Living with the constant temptation that this creates sets the stage for rapid relapse post-treatment. Entering a sober living facility or a halfway house is far better option. Before exiting rehab, you’ll work with your case manager to consider your choices in post-treatment housing, and to find the right housing type for you.
In recovery, you’ll learn that you don’t have the power to control the thoughts, actions, and behaviors of others. This includes your family members. You can, however, control yourself. This knowledge is empowering, and it will give you the courage to take important steps towards reclaiming your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As you make progress and rebuild your life, your family members will have ongoing opportunities to show their love, express their forgiveness, and offer their support.
Although having supportive family members can make kick-starting the recovery process easy, you don’t need a large number of relatives in your corner to succeed. You’ll find rehab itself to be inviting, comforting, and supportive. Moreover, in rehab, you’ll be surrounded by people with similar challenges, experiences, and aspirations. If you’re tired of being addicted to drugs or alcohol and want to find a top-rated treatment center, we can help. Give us a call today at 833-497-3812.