We would like to affirm you for your bravery in seeking help, and we want you to know that we’re here to support you in any way we can. Here at the Providence Projects, we have seen the ripple effect of addiction, as it destroys not only the addict but everyone around them too. Addiction is often more detrimental for families than for the addict themselves, so we recognise that you need support too.
Below is a simple guide on what you should do, and not do when it comes to admitting a loved one. We want the process to be as straightforward as possible for you and your family, and we’re here to answer any questions you may have about your loved one entering rehab and to alleviate any fears. We have also included further information about the help we offer to families, such as Family Meetings and Family Days, dedicated specifically to supporting the loved ones of those in treatment.
We do understand how scary this all may seem, but please remember that you are making the best possible decision for your loved one – for their future, and for your family as a whole. Below you will learn:
- How We Keep Family Involved
- Do’s and Don’ts
- Family Interventions
How we keep family involved
Addiction is a family illness. Much like throwing a stone into the water, the ripple effect of addiction can be far-reaching, with those closest experiencing the strongest and most devastating effects.
Here at The Providence Projects, we are very keen to get the family involved as much as possible. All research demonstrates that the more the family is involved in the recovery process, both as individuals and as a group, the better the chance of long term recovery is achieved.
Family involvement is crucial to their loved one’s chances of staying clean and sober. At our rehab centre, families will have the opportunity to attend family days, speak to therapists, and addiction specialists to find out what other support is available, and to participate in family meetings which take the form of therapy sessions.
Family therapy sessions are conducted for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it may be with the spouse, parents, children, or all members of the family. The content will always be different, but the primary goal is to start a process of healthy, honest and open communication and to look at ways to move forward and heal from the past. These sessions will be facilitated by a specialist, skilled addiction counsellors at The Providence Projects who are highly experienced in the field of family therapy.
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Contact Providence Project’s team of experts for an initial assessment.
Do's and Don'ts
If you are a family member or friend of the addict or alcoholic who you feel may require alcohol rehab treatment for their problem, we do not underestimate how painful your current situation is. It is incredibly difficult to watch someone you love slowly destroy themselves, whilst hurting everyone around them in the process. What’s worse, you’re completely powerless over your loved one’s addiction. We want you to know that there is help and support out there for families and friends, and that you have control over yourselves and your own life, separate to the addict or alcoholic and their recovery. It can be easy to get swept up in your loved one’s addiction, but what is important now is that you take the time to look after yourself, and think about what you need. We strongly encourage regular attendance at support groups such as Al-Anon or Fam-Anon, as well as talking to trusted friends and family, or a therapist or counsellor.
In the meantime, we have put together some ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ below, which are suggestions as to how best manage the current family situation. There are many different opinions out there as to the best course of action for living with someone else’s addiction, how to behave and how to cope. Ultimately, it’s up to you what to do, but the following tips have proved very useful over the years, to families who are lost amidst the chaos and despair that addiction inevitably brings with it.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at the Providence Projects, if you would like to discuss any of our rehab programmes, and find out what support is on offer for families and significant others.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do maintain your boundaries. Remember that you are also an important person who deserves love and respect.
- Do encourage all attempts to seek the professional help that is right for your loved one.
- Do encourage all attempts to attend fellowship meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Cocaine Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Gambler’s Anonymous.
- Do educate yourself as much as possible about addiction.
- Do look after yourself and take time for yourself, practice self-care.
- Do speak to the addict or alcoholic with love, warmth and care. Let them know you’re there for them when they’re ready to get help.
- Don’t believe the addiction and your loved one are the same thing. They are separate. Addiction is an illness of the brain, not a character flaw.
- Do not neglect yourself or allow yourself to be treated like a doormat.
- Do not make hollow threats. It is important that you stick to your word.Do not lecture or bring up the past. There is no benefit.
Hopefully we have demonstrated to you that how important the family is when someone is going through rehab, and the intrinsic part that family therapy plays in our treatment programmes.
To find out more about our family interventions or to simply speak to a professional to find out what your options are, please contact us today and speak with one of our addiction therapists on 0800 955 0945. Alternatively you can fill out this simple request form and one of our team will be back in touch as soon as possible.
