10 Tips for Family/Friends to Cope with Addiction

Addiction in our country is a huge problem and most people can probably name someone they know who has been touched by it. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve seen and heard of is a lack of resources available to those who need it the most. Even when there are resources available, many families do not know how to navigate getting their loved ones help.

As a former counselor, I had a lot of coursework and practicum experience with addiction recovery and I know that there are so many factors that go into recovery. At the center of it is friend and family. Recovering addicts with a strong support system have a greater chance of completing treatment successfully and maintaining their sobriety at home. But, it’s not just about providing support. There’s real work that needs to be done and friends and family should be prepared to become actively involved in the treatment process.

Education – Start with knowing how to spot addiction and education. Learn as much as you can.
Talk to peers in the same situation
Family Therapy – accept that involvement and commit to it.

The treatment and family involvement is key. A comprehensive program, like The Recovery Village Ohio, offers everything from complete medical care to wellness and holistic programs – a network of resources for people and families to turn to for help and answers. Visiting the link above can help people find information on local Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and SMART Recovery meetings, along with other valuable phone numbers and information.

Eat as a Family – Come Together as Much as Possible and Build upon Therapy
Realistic Expectations for Treatment and Recovery – Timeline and Lifelong Commitment

The next few tips involve taking care of oneself – you can’t help and be supportive if you don’t have the ability to care for yourself first.