Family Support for Opioid Addiction

Finding Support for Families of Opioid Addicts

It’s extremely difficult to watch a loved one struggle with opioid addiction as it affects not only the person abusing substances but also has a powerful effect on family members and friends. You may feel helpless and unsure of how to react or help your loved one with opioid addiction.

With opioid addiction accounting for nearly 70% of all drug-related fatalities, according to the Centers for Disease Control, families need support to help their loved ones manage this deadly addiction.

Family Therapy at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab

Indeed, a person who’s in the throes of opioid addiction will often deny that a problem exists and refuse to seek help. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that requires various therapy types in rehab to overcome addiction for the long term.

Family therapy is often an essential part of opioid addiction rehab. Without family support and therapy, someone who is in recovery risks suffering a relapse. At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, family therapy is available while clients are undergoing opioid addiction treatment.

Therapy in a family setting at WhiteSands can be done via video conferencing if loved ones live a distance away, or families can come together in person to attend sessions. During therapy, families gain a better understanding of the nature of opioid addiction. Family members also explore past and present family dynamics that may have led to and perhaps enabled addictive behaviors and teach appropriate communication skills to help support a loved one in recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

Family Support Groups

The spouses and family members of a loved one suffering from substance use disorder also need help dealing with their own distress. Family members can harbor feelings of anger and shame, thinking that they’ve failed their loved one.

Family support is vital in helping everyone better understand substance use disorder, as being educated about this chronic brain disease will relieve some anxieties, fears, resentments, and disappointments that exist. It makes sense that loved ones get the family support they need to heal from dysfunctional family interactions through better communication and understanding.

Family support groups are also beneficial to relatives who have lost a loved one to an opioid overdose. Finding a family support group allows family members to speak openly with others who have also suffered addiction loss.

During a family support group meeting, members can share their personal stories and memories of those they are grieving, although speaking up is always optional. Many families simply want the comfort of knowing they’re part of a community that will show them support in a safe atmosphere.

A family support group also encourages expressing feelings of anger and ultimately choosing forgiveness that will help with healing.

Nar-Anon

Nar-Anon is a group formed to help support families of addicts. This 12-Step support group is a safe atmosphere in which families can share their experiences, hopes, and feelings with others. Each person in Nar-Anon is encouraged to find a sponsor to whom they can turn for help while navigating the steps. An acceptance that a Higher Power plays a part in the recovery process is embedded in many of the steps, although the organizations sponsoring these programs are not religious ones. During Nar-Anon meetings, families learn more about the nature of addiction as a disease and discuss ways to help and deal with their loved ones suffering from substance use disorder.

Al-Anon

Al-Anon is a family support group for those whose relatives are afflicted with alcohol use disorder. Al-Anon members also work through the 12 Steps, turning to God or a Higher Power for help and take on a sponsor to support them.

SMART

SMART Recovery support groups abide by the same basic principles of Nar-Anon and Al-Anon, although the program’s philosophy doesn’t include allusions to a Higher Power.

At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, every client has access to these types of support groups to ensure they have assistance throughout their entire recovery journey. Family support is critical during rehab, and our staff can provide the whole family with the support and therapy they need to get through this difficult time. Reach out to us by visiting one of our Florida locations to discover the best treatment options for you and your family.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.