Addiction is an extraordinarily heavy burden to bear, no matter who you are. When you’re facing a substance abuse disorder or chemical dependency, it can be difficult to know where to turn or how to get help. Addiction can be very isolating. However, the effects of substance abuse are not only on the individual with addiction but also on their loved ones. If a family member is struggling with an addiction, it can be exhausting and frustrating to continue facilitating your relationship while doing what’s best for them. A good family therapy program in a rehabilitation setting can be best for a family touched by addiction. In the Orange County area, look no further than Oceanfront Recovery.
At Oceanfront Recovery, we are dedicated to treating every aspect of addiction – including the effects on your family and interpersonal relationships. Our treatment model is person-first, and we go the extra mile to treat you, not just your addiction. From fully customized treatment plans to in-depth family therapy, we want the best for our clients. We would love to help you find a plan that works for you. For more information, don’t wait. Call us today by dialing 877.296.7477 or visit us online to complete our secure digital form.
How Drug Addiction Affects the Family
Families of people with addiction bear more weight than you may think. Short-term effects can include a general strain on relationships. People worry when someone they love puts themselves in danger, and substance abuse fits comfortably within that category. The financial aspect of addiction can impact families if someone with an addiction is borrowing money or stealing to feed their habit.
As the conflict within the family rises, the trust tends to decrease. When secrets rule your life, as is often the case with addiction, the people around you will lose trust and become easily frustrated with your actions. Addiction can cause serious trauma to those around you and even end relationships if you don’t seek help and fight to keep them.
Making Amends and Repairing Relationships Through Recovery
During recovery from addiction, you will be encouraged to mend damaged relationships and make amends with those you may have hurt. Making amends and repairing relationships is an important step to regaining your freedom and letting go of substance abuse. This process may seem simple at first glance, but it can become more difficult as you go along. Here are some tips for going about the process of making amends:
- Make a list. It seems simple enough, but many people forgo making a physical list and go off of memory. Working your way down a list of amends, and checking them off as you go, can be cathartic and helpful.
- Know that sometimes you won’t get reciprocation. An apology doesn’t necessarily warrant forgiveness. There may be relationships that can’t go back to how they were before addiction. Make peace with this.
- Think about indirect amends. For most, direct amends are preferable during this process. However, if your direct contact would hurt someone, or cause them undue pain, consider sending a letter instead.
- Don’t get discouraged. Like any aspect of recovery, there will be setbacks. Prepare to roll with the punches and do your best, even if things don’t always go as planned.
Get Help with Oceanfront Recovery
At Oceanfront, we can help you structure your recovery process to be as beneficial as possible to you and your family and loved ones. With professional help, you can discover the tools necessary to make your recovery as painless as possible. For more information on any of our treatment programs, call us today at 877.296.7477.
