A drug or alcohol addiction is a struggle that doesn’t only hurt the addict in question; in fact, it’s extremely common for the addict to ultimately hurt their family and friends emotionally and even physically. Families are often the primary victims next to the addict—they deal with the pain of watching their loved one suffer, first and foremost, while also being lashed out at when trying to help.

So how can an addict and their family be healed through the recovery process? How can the addict reconnect with their family despite past confrontations? Can they be helped to look past the words and actions that went too far? It takes a certain level of commitment and willingness to forgive and follow through some possible methods.

Rebuild Your Family Ties

A family that is segmented and broken apart cannot expect to recover together. The first crucial step for an addict and their family is to be willing to make amends and try to connect after becoming distant due to an addiction. The family may still hurt from wrongs committed by the addict in question, but the solitude may hurt the addict as well.

An addict must be willing to admit that their mistakes have hurt their family, but the family must also be willing to forgive and move on with the addict. If the addict in question is truly willing to let go of their addiction, rebuilding ties is an important step to move forward. Moving away can instead leave regrets and lingering grief for both an addict and the family leaving them behind.

Support Each Other

Having pillars of support on both ends of this spectrum is imperative to properly undergo the stages of healing and therapy. The family should be willing to support their addicted loved one with faith in their ability to follow through with their recovery, and the addict should provide reassurances and a true sense of enthusiasm to recover.

Families are highly encouraged to play a big role in an addict’s recovery process, not only to help the family come to terms with what has happened but also to play a large role and focus in an addict’s motivation. It has been found that family involvement is capable of strengthening and extending treatment benefits for drug addicts.

Heal Together

Rebuilding bonds and reestablishing support for one another are important precursors for the family to reconnect and to be able to reach the ultimate step: healing together.

While an addict deals with the shame of an addiction (and the physical and psychological health problems that come with it), family members deal with their own share of problems in the recovery process. They may often feel guilt and blame themselves for their loved one’s addiction, as well as deal with the pain of watching someone close suffer while feeling powerless to do anything.

This is why family addiction programs exist—to focus on both the healing of the addict and the healing of the family involved. And by working close together, the recovery process can be more effective, more beneficial, and help form an overall much healthier family relationship.

Recovering from Addiction as a Family

If you find yourself involved with a family struggling with someone fighting a drug or alcohol addiction, consider searching for your local Treatment & Rehab program in Tennessee. You may also consider Discovery Place’s own Family Matters Workshop and Long Term Drug and Alcohol Addiction Recovery Program in Burns, Tennessee. Call for a free consultation at 1-800-725-0922.

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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