Addiction is so powerful, it affects and changes every member of an addict or alcoholic’s family.
It’s easy enough to see how when you’re in the throes of it — when the parents or siblings of an addict might reach the depths of desperation in their attempts to get their loved one to stop using.
But what happens when the addict or alcoholic finds recovery?
Unfortunately, the rest of the family doesn’t get well and heal over night.
Recovery from the effects of addiction on the family takes as much time and patience as it does to see changes in the individual.
It takes time and serious effort to repair the broken hearts and stolen trust. But like everything else, you can only do it one day at a time. If you work hard at it and trust your Higher Power, it will truly happen for you and your loved ones.
But there’s so much more that’s far beyond your control.
Your loved ones might consider attending one of the partner programs — like Al-Anon, Al-Ateen, CODA, or others — to learn how to cope with the effects of addiction in their lives.
No matter how they decided to pursue recovery, it’s important to remember that until they find a way to heal themselves, they’re still sick, in a way.
Even as you work to regain trust, you must always maintain proper boundaries with your family and remember that your recovery comes first.
That might mean choosing a meeting over a family event. Or, you might even choose to spend less time with your family until they are able to find recovery and participate in conversations in a healthy way.
No matter what the situation is like for you and your family, recovery IS possible. It works if you work it.
To find out how to heal your family from the pain of addiction, contact us today!