If you are in treatment for alcohol addiction, it’s important to have the support of your friends and family. These individuals can be helpful as you walk the path of recovery, and can benefit you in the following ways:
Eliminate Family Issues that Trigger Substance Abuse
When you have strong family support through alcohol addiction, it’s possible to work towards eliminating ongoing family issues that can be a trigger for substance abuse. These can be situational factors, genetic issues, or functional issues within your family itself. If your therapist has met your family and they are supportive with the recovery process, then the professional will be able to see how these issues interact with your triggers in real life and contribute to the symptoms of addiction.
Assist with the Recovery Process
If you have family support through alcohol addiction, your family members can assist you as you work through the recovery process itself. This can make it a little easier than working through recovery on your own, as they can encourage you, help you look out for pitfalls and triggers, and be there to distract you if you need something to do instead of drinking. In general, it helps to have family members on your side, so that they can help you out when times get hard. This way, you’ll have someone to call when you need to talk about the things that you are experiencing, or someone to sit with you on a tough evening.
Treat Family Dysfunction
Often, individuals that suffer from alcohol abuse have issues that are rooted in family dysfunction. They may have decades of emotional problems that they’re trying to cope with. When the family is supportive about you getting treatment for substance abuse issues, many of these dysfunctional patterns can be worked on, treated, and eventually solved. This can pave the way for a happier, more functional future, both within and outside of the family dynamic.
Set up a Supportive Environment
Family can also help you to set up a supportive environment to return to after treatment, whether that treatment is inpatient or outpatient based. As you learn what you’ll need in order to be happy and healthy without alcohol or other substances, family members can work with you to set up your environment appropriately. This may mean cleaning up, rearranging things, adjusting your schedule, or other tasks that family members can assist you with. Often, your therapist or discharge coordinator will be happy to work with your family in order to get these details lined up. Your environment plays a big part in your mood and your day to day function, so it’s important that it be as supportive as possible for your new routine and lifestyle.
If you plan to begin an alcohol treatment program, ask your family for their support. If they are willing to help you, you’ll have some very important allies in your corner. The benefits of having family support are incredibly important, and can go a long way towards making the process work.
