Addictions and mental health disorders often take a toll on family members as well. It can be difficult to deal with the impact, and sometimes family members may feel like they are being ignored or not heard.
In these cases, it is important to understand that the entire family can benefit from therapy. Behavioral therapy can help the entire family learn effective communication skills, conflict resolution and parenting skills, among other things.
Addiction is a family disease
A loved one’s addiction affects the whole family unit. It impacts relationships, finances, safety and more.
In addition, the impact on the addict’s family members can be devastating and may include a loss of control over their own lives. They may have to deal with the shame and guilt that accompanies an addiction and can feel as though they could have prevented their loved one from becoming an addict.
Fortunately, family support can help. It can provide guidance in rebuilding trust, understanding and respect for each other.
The process can help each member of the family regain their own sense of power over their own life. It can also teach them how to express their feelings and concerns in a way that is healthy.
In addition, a family’s recovery is a shared journey. By sharing their experiences and encouraging each other to maintain an active lifestyle, they can create a foundation for long-term healing. This is why it is important for family members to be actively involved in their loved one’s recovery process.
It’s a chronic illness
A chronic illness is a disease that causes ongoing symptoms. The National Health Council reports that 133 million Americans live with at least one chronic illness, such as pain or a heart condition.
Often, people with these disorders struggle to manage their conditions with medication and other treatments. They also often have to deal with hospital bills and changing treatment plans.
As a result, they may feel like they can’t get their health issues under control, especially if they are struggling with addiction. Sadly, this is the case for many people who have drug or alcohol abuse problems.
The problem is that long-term use of drugs and alcohol alters the brain, similar to how diabetes or asthma affect the body. This means that substance abuse disorders are a chronic illness that requires ongoing treatment to reduce the risk of relapse and promote long-term sobriety.
It’s a disease of the mind
The most important thing that you can do as a family member is to keep the lines of communication open and maintain healthy boundaries. These are crucial to helping your loved one in recovery.
You can also use these opportunities to gain insight into your own coping skills, learn how to avoid enabling and improve your own self-management. When you’re ready, you can also join a support group for families with a loved one in treatment.
There’s a lot of stigma surrounding addiction, and many people believe that it’s purely a bad choice, a moral failing or a lack of self-control. This misperception can prevent people from seeking help or pursuing recovery.
It’s a disease of the body
Unlike heart disease, diabetes or even some forms of cancer, which are primarily caused by external factors like diet and lifestyle, addiction is a purely internal condition. The brain is the engine that drives all of our behavior, and the drugs of choice (ahem, alcohol) wreak havoc on its circuitry. While the decision to get help may be hard on the individual affected by an addiction, there are steps families can take to make the process a little less painful and a lot more rewarding. Taking the time to learn about and support each other is an important part of the healing process, as is helping your loved one find the right treatment for their unique set of needs. The best addiction treatment center will have a dedicated staff of therapists to guide your loved one through the recovery process. The best programs are also willing to share their knowledge with the family members that need it most.
