When dealing with an addiction or substance abuse, it may feel not easy to ask for help. Once someone understands that they have a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s common to feel a sense of shame or even an urge to hide it from the ones you love. This may seem like the best way to address the issue at the time, but the only thing a secret like that can do is force you to become more embroiled in it. It’s important to talk to people about your drug abuse, and it doesn’t have to be scary. A conversation about addiction is necessary, and there are many ways to help things go down easier.
At Oceanfront Recovery, we offer family therapy services to help facilitate this conversation among you and your loved ones. We know that talking about addiction isn’t easy, and we’re here to help proctor those difficult discussions. Located in beautiful Laguna Beach, California, we offer many different types of therapy, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, EMDR therapy, and various mental health services. We want you to succeed, and we’d love for you to use our resources to do so. For more information about any of our treatment programs, reach out to us today by calling 877.279.1777 or visiting us online.
How Do I Tell My Family I Have an Addiction?
If you’re worried about telling your loved ones about your addiction, it may be valuable for you to make a plan ahead of time. You don’t need to script yourself, but having a general idea of what you’ll say and how people might respond, is a good way to calm your nerves and make the conversation more productive. It’s also valuable to consider the possibility that some of your loved ones may know or suspect. This isn’t something you should let upset you, as your family may have noticed behaviors caused by your substance abuse that you weren’t already aware of.
Honesty will be the best tool in your box to make this conversation a valuable one. Be clear about your drug abuse habits and how you feel about them. Tell your family that you would like to get help, and make sure that you listen to them when it’s their turn to speak. It may also be prudent to prepare yourself for a negative reaction or resistance. Remember that you can only control your own words and actions, not anyone else’s.
The Effects of Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Regardless of the type of substance, substance abuse can leave lasting effects on your relationships, health, and daily life. When you’re considering how to tell your family about your addiction, take time to research the long-term effects of the substance you’re using. In addition to specific effects, any substance abuse disorder can lead to:
- A loss of trust and openness in your relationships
- Permanently damaged or lost relationships
- Legal trouble, including jail time and court costs
- Termination of employment, or suspension or expulsion from school
- Eviction by landlords with no-tolerance drug policies
- Development or worsening of mental illness
Put Addictive Substances Behind You with Oceanfront
At Oceanfront Recovery, we take pride in helping people from all walks of life reach sobriety. Our myriad treatment programs allow us to find a perfect fit for your individual needs. Our well-outfitted and comfortable facility will serve as a place of quiet respite for you as you embark on your journey, and our highly trained staff will be available to you from detox to aftercare. If you’re concerned about your substance abuse, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today by calling 877.279.1777 to begin.
