When Family Members Enter Drug Treatment
When someone that you love and care about enters into drug or alcohol treatment it can be a difficult time. The separation is actually good for all involved. It allows healing time for the family as they need strength and also need time to just stand back at look at the big picture. Entering a treatment program is a good thing and the fact that your loved one is seeking treatment is promising and it gives the family hope.
Your loved will not be able to get in touch with you for a while. Some look at this as a form of punishment but there is a very good reason for it. Remember, it is professionals that manage drug treatment centers and they have rules in place for a reason. Addicts must take the time to focus on nothing but them. When they talk to family it is too easy to get off track and lose focus.
Initially, when your loved one goes into treatment they will enter detox. This is a mandatory step for most addicts and the goal is to rid the toxins from the body. For many drugs of choice this can create a very difficult situation but rest assured, medical staff is well aware of what is going on and will make your loved one as comfortable as possible. They will also be monitored consistently.
The next step is entering treatment where the prime focus is personal wellbeing. Medical professionals and staff are present to help with healing and recovery. Your loved one will attend individual and group counseling, therapy, and any necessary medical attention. This is a time for your loved one to heal and get to know and like them again.
The family needs to use this time positively and to seek professional help and attend support meetings. You can learn how to be supportive and more importantly, what to expect when your loved one comes home. In order to help them you must understand the dynamics of addiction. You must also understand that relapse is part of recovery but it is how the relapse is managed. Family should know how to handle relapse too.
Family needs to be involved with their loved ones sobriety. Don't rush it, allow the professionals to do their job. They will let you know when it is time to get involved. This is one of the components of long term success. Even with the very best treatment your loved one has a tough road ahead of them.
They will face triggers and cravings for the rest of their lives. This is one of the areas that you can help them with and you can really make a difference if you know what you are doing. Knowledge is power!
Your loved will not be able to get in touch with you for a while. Some look at this as a form of punishment but there is a very good reason for it. Remember, it is professionals that manage drug treatment centers and they have rules in place for a reason. Addicts must take the time to focus on nothing but them. When they talk to family it is too easy to get off track and lose focus.
Initially, when your loved one goes into treatment they will enter detox. This is a mandatory step for most addicts and the goal is to rid the toxins from the body. For many drugs of choice this can create a very difficult situation but rest assured, medical staff is well aware of what is going on and will make your loved one as comfortable as possible. They will also be monitored consistently.
The next step is entering treatment where the prime focus is personal wellbeing. Medical professionals and staff are present to help with healing and recovery. Your loved one will attend individual and group counseling, therapy, and any necessary medical attention. This is a time for your loved one to heal and get to know and like them again.
The family needs to use this time positively and to seek professional help and attend support meetings. You can learn how to be supportive and more importantly, what to expect when your loved one comes home. In order to help them you must understand the dynamics of addiction. You must also understand that relapse is part of recovery but it is how the relapse is managed. Family should know how to handle relapse too.
Family needs to be involved with their loved ones sobriety. Don't rush it, allow the professionals to do their job. They will let you know when it is time to get involved. This is one of the components of long term success. Even with the very best treatment your loved one has a tough road ahead of them.
They will face triggers and cravings for the rest of their lives. This is one of the areas that you can help them with and you can really make a difference if you know what you are doing. Knowledge is power!
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