Going through drug detox can be incredibly challenging. However, dealing with the aftermath of detox and rehabilitation can be one of the most stressful things you will ever do in your life. Having support from your family can help make the recovery process easier for you to navigate.
Defining What a Family Is
When we talk about family, most people think about the traditional nuclear family with a mother, father, and children. However, it is important to recognize that family is much more than that. The family often includes cousins, aunts, uncles, and even grandparents. It can also include others who are not biologically related, such as godparents or extremely close friends.
When it comes down to it, a family can include any person who has been consistently emotionally involved in your life. Having strong emotional ties to others is important. When it comes to moving forward after drug detox, having these people in your life can make a significant difference. There may be a time when your family members are invited to join you in a family therapy session. It is important that you think about who you consider family.
Addiction Can Impact the Entire Family
It is undeniable that a person who struggles with addiction is suffering. It is also important to recognize that addiction can have an overwhelming impact on the entire family. Watching her loved one struggle can be incredibly challenging. As the disease continues to develop and intensify, family life can become more confusing and chaotic. In many cases, families are unsure of what to expect from day-to-day. They may feel hopeless and helpless and unable to deal with the impacts. Some of the impacts that families face as a result of addiction include:
- Dealing with violent outbursts
- Struggling financially
- Dealing with emotional struggles
- Complicated legal issues
Trying to get your loved one into drug detox can seem like a never-ending battle. It is important that your loved one is able to recognize the benefits that this type of program can have. The unfortunate truth is that addiction is far-reaching. Family members often take on different roles when it comes to living with an addict.
Different Roles of Family Members
Dealing with a loved one who suffers from addiction is not an easy process. Unfortunately, there are an array of emotions that tend to develop during this very difficult time. Some of the relationships that family members develop with their loved one who is struggling can be unhealthy.
In many cases, family members of those struggling with addiction find themselves in a constant state of confusion and disarray. As a result, the person who is struggling with the addiction may experience various emotions and perform various actions. These can include:
- Neglecting their responsibilities at school, work, or even home.
- Continue their substance use, despite the overwhelming and negative consequences they face
- Develop tolerances for substances, which can result in them increasing in the amount or frequency of using
- Experience significant withdrawal symptoms
- Experience overwhelming cravings
As family members witness their loved one struggle, they are likely to develop various different relationships with their loved one. Unfortunately, many of them are not good, especially when it comes to encouraging your loved one to enter drug detox.
We often see family members become enablers or caretakers. These are people who attempt to protect their loved ones from all the negative consequences. The hero is another role that is commonly taken on by the eldest child within the family unit. Just like the enabler, the hero will do things to shield the person suffering from addiction from any negative consequences.
Another common role that family members take on is the scapegoat. This is the person who will take the attention of others away from the person who is struggling by developing other types of negative behavior. The mascot is another role that family members often take on. This type of role is taken on in order to help distract family members with charm or even humor. Unfortunately, this coping mechanism can create many complications as people grow older.
Finally, family members may develop a sense of being a lost child. This person does not experience having their needs met, and they hardly have their achievements recognized. This individual often isolates themselves from their family and feels incredibly alone.
Although these roles may come to people naturally, it is important that they do everything in their power to escape them. Encouraging your loved one to enter drug detox can help to ensure that they are able to get the care that they need. Family plays a critical role in helping a person overcome substance use disorder.
The Importance of Family Support in Drug Detox
Going through drug detox can be incredibly overwhelming. For this reason, it is important to have strong family support on your side. Family members of those struggling with addiction can provide mental and emotional help. There are several types of family support during drug detox and addiction recovery. In these situations, family support may look like:
- Family members advocate on behalf of their loved ones.
- Family members help their loved ones get into drug detox and treatment.
- Family members maintain health records and provide copies of the records to drug detox facilities and other rehabilitation providers.
- Providing useful information to drug detox professionals and treatment providers related to their loved one’s struggles.
There are several benefits to having family support while going through drug detox and rehabilitation.in fact, people who struggle with addiction who have family support are:
- More likely to stick to their treatment program.
- Less likely to experience a relapse.
- Less likely to be hospitalized.
- Less likely to be involved in any criminal activity.
- More likely to recover
Not only can those suffering from substance abuse disorder benefit from taking part in the treatment process, but family members can as well. Learning as much as you can about your loved one’s addiction can help you cope with their struggles and help you provide more positive support to them throughout their recovery journey.
Let Our Drug Detox Specialists in Pulaski, TN, and Muscle Shoals, AL, Help You
If you are interested in seeing how drug detox can help your loved one overcome addiction, reach out to our team today at Genesis Medical Detox to get a free insurance verification and see what treatment options are available to help.
