Most people are familiar with the services and benefits of support groups and organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). For decades, these vital programs have been providing peer support, guidance and a safe environment for those recovering from alcohol use (AA) and drug use (NA) disorders to openly discuss their fears, challenges and triumphs on their individual paths to recovery from addiction. Perhaps less well known are the groups that provide support to family and loved ones of those struggling with addiction.
What Is Al-Anon?
Addiction is referred to as a family disease. This is because, although the direct physical health impacts of addiction affect the addict, those who love and care for them also struggle. Through the support of programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, those struggling directly with addiction find support, common ground, and solidarity with those who share similar struggles and focus on maintaining health and sobriety. Unfortunately, Alcoholics Anonymous and similar programs do not necessarily provide the same support for those watching their loved one struggle with addiction. Programs such as Al-Anon, provide a safe and open forum for family and loved ones of addicts to share their concerns, experiences, and struggles with watching someone they love experience addiction.
The Importance of Helping Yourself While Your Loved One Struggles With Addiction
Family is a vital part of the recovery process both during and after treatment. When someone in recovery returns home, they often rely on family for support, guidance and direction as they navigate the day-to-day challenges of their lives now that alcohol is no longer a part of their lives. Unfortunately, addiction is often responsible for putting significant strain on relationships.
Watching a loved one struggle with addiction or worse, denying their struggle and refusing to seek help or treatment can have a detrimental impact on essential factors of all relationships including patients, compassion and most of all trust. Support groups like Al-Anon can help you help yourself. It is impossible to be available to or supportive of your loved one when tension gets in the way. At Al-Anon meetings it is possible to talk about your experiences with a group of like-minded people who have shared or do share a common struggle allowing you to feel more connected and supported as you provide ongoing support to your loved one struggling with addiction.
How to Help Your Loved One With Their Addiction
If your loved one is struggling with addiction it may feel as though there is nothing you can do to help. You are not alone in feeling lost. Often, family and friends watch their loved one’s battle addiction and do not know where to turn for help. At Cal Recovery, we understand how challenging this can be. It is essential to find ways to seek support and care for yourself as you help your loved one begin their sobriety journey. At Cal Recovery, our admissions team and highly skilled therapy providers can work with your family to provide an individually designed addiction treatment plan for your loved one that addresses their unique treatment needs and goals. We will also work with your family to ensure everyone has access to vital supports such as family therapy and support groups like Al-Anon both during and after your oved one completes their treatment program at Cal Recovery.
Helping your loved one acknowledge their struggle with addiction is often a difficult first step on their sobriety journey. As a family member, it can be daunting and emotionally draining to watch your loved one struggle and refuse help. The team at Cal Recovery is here to provide support and guidance through these difficult challenges. Don’t let addiction steal another day. Contact the team at Cal Recovery today to learn more about our Sacramento treatment program and family support opportunities.
