The Illusion of “The Addict” in the Family

“She just won’t stop. I have taken all of the alcohol out of the house, demanded she stop… and yet she won’t listen.” A loved one of an addict says.

“Doesn’t she care about us?”

“I would never tell anyone. I am so embarrassed. If she would just stop then we could move on with our lives!”

“Why can’t I convince her to stop?”

Addiction is a disease. Addiction is a serious illness that is usually chronic, typically progressive, and often fatal. It isn’t about character or lack of morals – and it certainly isn’t anything that should cause family members to carry the burden of shame.” – Addiction Campuses

There is an illusion that lives within many family systems, an illusion that once the addict is sober everything will be fine. Yes, the addict needs help.  But, what many fail to see is how much the addiction has disrupted the family and the need for all involved to get help.

Addiction is a family disease that stresses the family to the breaking point, impacts the stability of the home, the family’s unity, mental health, physical health, finances, and overall family dynamics.” – NCAAD

Many family members are silently at their wits ends trying to help their loved one.

It doesn’t have to be this way.

For family and friends of drug – or alcohol- addicted individuals, addressing the addiction is one of the most difficult aspects of helping the addicted person seeking treatment.” – Psych Central

Beauterre wants to help you fight the addiction and be involved in the process as well. Here are five tips we recommend for family members:

1. Seek treatment for the addict. Interruption of the cycle of addiction is the best way to help your loved one begin to face their struggle. Encourage them to call treatment centers and if need be, provide resources and phone numbers for them to make the call.
2. Find a support network. Support groups such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon are available everywhere for friends and family. Many churches and community centers also offer resources.
3. Seek counseling. 
   

   Individual therapy for each family member, not just the addict, is important for the mental health of both the addict’s spouse or partner and children, and meeting with a therapist as a family can help improve communication among family members.” –NCAAD

4. Educate yourself and others. Click here for some helpful resources.
5. Enroll in a family program. When a patient is admitted to Beauterre, we strive to include the family as much as possible as we know how important this can be. We also recommend the intensive family program at The Retreat for additional support.

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