By: AndreaBergman
When a family member is struggling with addiction, it can seem impossible to help. You just want them to stop using drugs or alcohol. You think that’s all that they need to do to protect their future. That’s rarely enough, though. And during this time of nationwide quarantine and pandemic, reaching out to get help can be particularly difficult. Even during the COVID crisis, however, supporting family in recovery really starts by understanding their disease and the treatment for it. At Lakeview Health, we can help you to achieve these goals and have taken special measures to continue to provide our essential care in this time of crisis.
We know how stressful it can be when your loved one is struggling with addiction. As such, we want to help give you and your family member need to recover from substance abuse. To learn about the addiction treatment programs available at Lakeview Health, contact us today at [Direct].
Understanding Addiction Is Step One
Supporting your family in recovery means understanding the risk they face. If they are currently battling addiction, they may be unable to stop using substances due to the fact that addiction changes the chemistry of the brain. It makes the mind believe that they need the substances to function on a daily basis. Furthermore, because addiction is a chronic condition, even if they have already attended treatment successfully, they are still in danger. That craving to use drugs or alcohol can come back at any time. That’s why they should try to avoid being in the presence of substances that can lead to addiction.
Supporting Family in Recovery – Strategies to Help
Supporting your family in recovery is possible. If your loved one has worked through addiction treatment and is currently in recovery, there are several things you can do to help them.
- Avoid drinking or using drugs in front of them. It’s a disease, not a choice not to use.
- Be observant of their needs. They may need a friend to talk to, especially in quarantine. They may not want to talk.
- Encourage your loved one to continue treatment even in just remote group therapy or via telehealth.
- Don’t pretend to understand unless you’ve been there.
- Be on the lookout for signs they need professional help, such as cravings, talking about using, or lying about using. Remember, these may be heightened during the COVID crisis, so it is important to be especially vigilant.
Supporting your family in recovery does not mean you can or should be a constant watchdog. What it does mean is listening to their needs, understanding their disease, and providing them with the reassurance that you are there for them.
What Happens When They Need More?
There may be times in your loved one’s life that they need more help than you can offer. Supporting family in recovery may mean taking that extra step and reaching out to their mentor or counselor. If it is an immediate family member, and you are worried about relapse, be proactive with them. Be sure they understand that there is help immediately available, including through our treatment options such as:
- Comprehensive aftercare program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Chronic pain treatment
- Family therapy programs
- Group therapy programs
- Individual therapy programs
Even when a person seems to be in a place of doing well, they may still need extra help, particularly if they feel isolated by the current pandemic. By working with them to minimize the presence of triggers and to stay focused on their treatment plan, you can support your loved one with success. The key is to be a part not just of their detox, but their long-term recovery that spans years to come for most people. Be present in the way they need you.
Expect Exceptional Care at Lakeview Health
If you are struggling with addiction, or you are hoping to find help supporting family in recovery, our team at Lakeview Health can provide you with the guidance you need. Dedicated to providing exceptional attention to each of your needs, we can give you the insight necessary to start on the path towards recovery. Contact Lakeview Health at [Direct] today.
Lakeview Health strives to keep our clients and staff safe during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about new guidelines and updates today.
We currently accept Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. We do not currently accept Medicare, Medicaid, or Florida Blue.
