| How Can I Help the Addict while They are in Treatment? |
 |
 |
 |
| Drug Addiction for Family and Friends | |
|
The best and most important way to help any addict undergoing addiction treatment in an addiction treatment center is to encourage them to adhere to the addiction treatment program until it's completion and follow the advice of the professionals. It is common that while the addict is undergoingdrug alcohol addiction treatment that he or she will become homesick and feel the need to call friends and family to convince them that it's a good idea to leave the addiction treatment facility early. It is difficult for addicts to take orders, accept responsibility, admit their problem and commit to anything - never mind a weeks-long inpatient drug alcohol addiction treatment program. They have long deluded themselves that they are in the driver's seat, in control not only of their drug but their families, friends and relationships as well. Their pleas to be released spring from denial and cravings to use, it is their addiction screaming out to regain control of the addict. Addicts are expert at the art of manipulation. Twenty-eight days of drug alcohol addiction treatment may sound daunting but when you think of the effect - long term addiction recovery - it's a small price to pay. While they're in an addiction treatment program, educate yourself about alcohol drug addiction, its stages, as well as early addiction recovery and relapse prevention. Have discussions with your family member's therapist and begin to get a basic understanding of drug alcohol addiction. During conversations with the addict or in any family counseling sessions, do not nag or lecture. You do have every right to express your thoughts, but be sure to speak objectively, honestly and devoid of abusive language. After they have been through detox is the best time to begin sharing your thoughts with the addict in the family; they are better prepared emotionally to benefit from what you have to say. It is useless to issue empty threats unless you intend to follow through. Addicts are not foolish and learn to ignore empty threats.Often family members end up overly resentful that the addict receives care and attention while they are left to "clean up the mess." This is understandable and normal. We greatly encourage family members to receive their own outpatient counseling. We also recommend Al-Anon and Nar-Anon, a support groups for family members of addicts.
|
| Random Content | |
