Substance abuse is a highly disruptive and dangerous health issue affecting millions of people every year. However, often, people find it difficult to understand their loved one’s addiction. Some family members may not understand the realities of substance use disorder (SUD) and how the condition impacts a person’s ability to function. Chronic substance abuse changes how the brain and other body systems work, influencing feelings, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. The Redpoint Center helps families heal from the effects of SUD.
Addiction Negatively Impacts the Entire Family
Addictive behaviors have a negative impact on the entire family. The side effects of substance abuse often cause a ripple effect that causes problems for individuals, families, and communities. According to Social Work in Public Health, “Each family and each family member is uniquely affected by the individual using substances including but not limited to having unmet developmental needs, impaired attachment, economic hardship, legal problems, emotional distress, and sometimes violence being perpetrated against him or her.” Blaming people for their disorder and the effects it causes is often easier than recognizing and addressing the underlying issues causing the maladaptive behaviors.
Families grow stronger when they actively participate in the treatment process together. Children are often significantly affected by the presence of SUD in the home. Normalizing conversations about mental health and treatment can help children feel more comfortable reaching out if they feel uncertain, confused, or afraid as their family member goes through treatment. In many cases, family members benefit from participating in individual and family therapy. The Redpoint Center provides referrals, family support services, and psychoeducation to help families better understand their loved one’s condition.
What Factors Caused Your Loved One’s Addiction?
Many factors contribute to the development of drug or alcohol abuse, including:
- Family history of substance abuse or mental health disorders
- Personal history of substance abuse or mental health disorders
- Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
- Physical, verbal, or sexual assault
- Chronic physical or emotional distress
- Environmental factors
People with a high risk of developing SUD benefit from creating a strong support system to help them better manage stress. Family members often provide the most emotional and practical support to loved ones in treatment for substance abuse. The Redpoint Center guides families through creating a nurturing environment for their loved one’s recovery.
Your Loved One’s Addiction Is Not a Moral Failing
Addiction is not a personal identity or moral failing – it is a treatable disease. According to Neuroethics, one survey “showed first that the majority of the public (70 %) endorsed the disease concept by agreeing that ‘Alcoholism is best seen as a form of disease or illness.'” Some people may have difficulty feeling compassionate or empathetic toward loved ones who have hurt them deeply with words and actions while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, SUD is not a bogeyman that causes people to do horrible things or an excuse to allow them to get away with hurting others. SUD is a medical diagnosis and treatable condition.
Families must come to terms with the consequences of their loved one’s behaviors while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The consequences don’t disappear because someone gets help treating their condition and underlying issues. Healing from substance abuse means addressing those pains caused by addiction and finding healthy ways to acknowledge them, forgive them, and build a healthier future.
The Importance of Learning About Your Loved One’s Addiction
Friends and family members can educate themselves about their loved one’s condition by speaking with The Redpoint Center care team, contacting their family care provider, or using online educational tools. Many resources are available to help people better understand their loved one’s diagnosis and how to support their recovery.
Some of the primary benefits of learning about SUD include:
- Decreased stigmas surrounding topics related to substance abuse and recovery
- Increased empathy and compassion for loved ones experiencing addiction
- Setting realistic expectations and goals for treatment and long-term recovery
People who educate themselves on the symptoms and side effects of substance abuse often provide better emotional support for loved ones in recovery.
How Does The Redpoint Center Help Families Heal?
The care team guides clients and their loved ones through the process of preparing for long-term recovery by creating a safe and nurturing space to facilitate healing and personal growth. Aftercare planning, family therapy, and other resources help clients and their loved ones prepare for long-term recovery and a successful transition from treatment to continuing care.
The Redpoint Center provides clients and their families with the resources, skill development, and information they need to feel confident in maintaining sobriety. Families heal together by using evidence-based tools like family therapy and engaging with the local sober community.
Witnessing loved ones cause pain to themselves or others while under the influence of substance abuse can make it challenging to remain objective. Sometimes, friends and family members of individuals experiencing addiction find it challenging to recognize the disease is not a moral failing. People misusing substances often have underlying trauma or other untreated issues impacting their ability to cope with stressors in a healthy way. Substance abuse may be an attempt to reduce emotional distress or manage mental health symptoms. Understanding the realities of addiction and the many potential causes helps families grow closer and strengthen relationships. To learn more about how The Redpoint Center helps families navigate recovery from substance abuse, call our office today at (303) 710-8496.
