Drug addiction is a phenomenon with consequences that go well beyond affecting the life of the addict alone. That is why support groups for families of drug addicts are an important part of drug addiction recovery, not only for the addict but for those in his or her life. The relatives of drug addicts also suffer from the actions and attitudes of the addict. Support groups for families of drug addicts offer an environment in which there can be honest communication and free expression of the concerns of the relatives of drug addicts that have gone unexpressed.
There are a variety of support groups for families of drug addicts that are available. Each one of these groups has a different focus, such as the children, parents, or spouses of addicts, and can help someone in each of these particular roles to learn to deal constructively with the addict as he or she recovers. Support groups for families of drug addicts also offer support to these individuals themselves as they try to cope with the challenges of their addicted loved one.
Adult Children of Addicts and Alcoholics
When the adults of the world misbehave, it is always the innocent children who suffer the most. The children of drug and alcohol addicts are often like children of a war in which parents are always doing battle, and sometimes these children are even used as weapons or as pawns in a never-ending, destructive game. The child of an addict learns about relationships through this lens, and must often struggle for the rest of his or her life to see that a close relationship can actually be a loving and safe one.
Support groups for families of drug addicts are designed for children whose parents were addicts. They are designed to help these adult children navigate their way through growing up with addiction. In their minds are still the memories of financial chaos, of neglect, of betrayal, and of the narcissism. This is often the characteristic of the behavior of drug and alcohol addicts. They may remember missing meals, being given excessive responsibilities, and being bullied or ridiculed at school. Participating in a support group for adult children of addicts may be their first opportunity to sit in a safe environment with peers who have experienced similar pain.
Spouses of Drug Addicts
Someone who is married to an addict may have learned to put the addict’s needs before their own. This creates an unhealthy situation that may lead to the ruin of the marriage. While those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol often have many redeeming personal qualities. Such as great sensitivity, intelligence, creativity or even kindness, their erratic behavior often creates an environment of chaos. If the spouse of the addict keeps picking up the pieces of the broken marital home. The addict may have little motivation to change. Support groups for spouses of drug addicts can teach the spouse of such an addict to stop enabling behaviors. To give the addict a more constructive form of support, while also taking better care of themselves.
Family Therapy Treatment Program
The family therapy treatment program is a special kind of program for drug addicts and their families to sit down together and communicate in an honest and healing way. This type of program helps families of drug addicts to recognize the strengths and qualities that brought them together. This program helps heal relationships in the family and helps members of the family to understand the addict’s treatment program. How it works so that they can participate in it meaningfully.
Call to Learn More About Support Groups for Families of Drug Addicts Today
If you are interested in learning more about support groups for families of drug addicts, call Promises Behavioral Health today. Drug or alcohol addiction need not destroy your family because help is available. Take the next step toward healing by learning about family therapy. Call us at 844.875.5609 and find out more about how you can create a safe and secure family life you once hoped would be yours.