Alcohol and drug addiction happens in the best of families …..and it hurts.
Dependence on drugs and alcohol is our countries most serious public health problem. It touches families from all walks of life. It doesn’t discriminate; it’s prevalent among the rich and the poor and it touches all ethnic and social groups.
Addiction worsens over time, injuring both the one who is addicted and all their family members. It is especially destructive in the lives of the children involved.
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY
The good news is that drug and alcohol addiction can be treated. The first step is to be honest with each other about the problem and then seek the proper help. There are all kinds of different treatment facilities. The secret is finding the one that matches your needs. There are many different forms of treatment, and different lengths of the stays depending on the severity. Stopping the habit is the first thing that has to occur and the majority can not do it by themselves. Most need treatment provided by professionals whether it be out patient or in patient. There is something for everyone, if your first choice doesn’t work there is always other options.
INTERVENTION IS NECESSARY FOR HEALING TO BEGIN
There needs to be family intervention, getting the loved one to agree they need help and getting it is essential in being able to start the healing process for the one addicted as well as the family.
When the addicted loved one is reluctant to receive help sometimes it takes more drastic measures such as having a family meeting and strongly urging the person to enter treatment and talk about the consequences if they don’t agree. Some of the consequences can be: loss of family,loss of job etc….This is called intervention and is very necessary at times. It needs to be carefully executed and have good guidance, help of a competent trained specialist, counselor, family, friends and associates who can encourage in a firm and loving manner– that their only choice is begin the road to recovery.
Loved ones can recover but intervention is the first step.
Resources:
Al-Anon Family Groups
www.al-anon.org
Alcoholics Anonymous
www.aa.org
Celebrate Recovery
Christian Counseling Centers in your area
Tomorrow’s Hope
This article was written and published by Cheryl Connor. Cheryl has since retired, and all posts she created have been associated with Jenifer Whitemire.
