Addiction & the family

 Addiction

It is no secret addiction affects not only the addict, but also their families and friends.  Essentially anyone close to the addict, motivated to offer support and help, can be impacted.  There are numerous places anyone can turn to get help.  In the end, it is almost all about education and involvement.  As you become more aware and better educated, you will gain a certain confidence that will help you and your loved ones continue to provide support.

Hit the library.  One of the unfortunate things about addiction is that it is a repeating cycle for generations on end.  There are loads of resources in the local library, bookstores and, of course, online.  Take full advantage of the fact that anyone have paved this path before you and have chosen to pass on their knowledge.  There are books on addiction, co-addiction, codependency and more.  It will be empowering to read that others have been through exactly what you are experiencing.  Their stories should provide hope and inspiration.

Addiction Help

Outside of written data, there are lots of people out there ready, willing and able to help you and get you pointed in the right direction.  Seek out those who have been through what you are going through now and find experts in this specific field.  Therapists and counselors who work with addiction, addicts and their families can provide invaluable information and help guide you through the recovery process.

Community support and Al-Anon are great resources for both of the above solutions.  Many community groups are free or covered by insurance.  The support they provide helps you feel like you are not alone and that you have somewhere to turn.  Al-Anon is specifically intended for people affected by addiction.  These support groups focus on the co-addict or family member trying to gain control of their life in spite of what is going on with the addict they are trying to support.

Staying open minded to help

Last, but not least, you need to support one another.  Perhaps this means getting together without the addict to ensure the lines of communication are open between the rest of the family.  You are not plotting against them or choosing sides, but making an effort to ensure the rest of the group remains strong and intact.  There is a good chance that each of the members of this support system (family, friends, etc.) are experiencing the same feelings, fears and have the same questions.  By sticking together and educating each other about addiction you will more easily remain strong.