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When a Family Member Needs Drug Treatment

When a family member needs drug treatment, everyone in the family is affected. During active addiction when your addicted family member is still in the house, during the silence after he or she heads off to treatment, and then when your family member returns after drug rehab... all of these stages are difficult for everyone at home. Children, significant others, extended family and friends will be changed in how they view themselves in their relationship with the addicted person, how they view the addict and how they interact in future relationships.

At The Canyon, family is important and we recognize that fact by inviting close relatives to participate in family therapy toward the end of treatment. As reintegration into family life approaches, more care is taken and attention paid toward family relationships during drug treatment.

Children of Family Members Who Need Drug Treatment

It is usually assumed that children are the most ill affected by a family member's drug addiction, but it should also be recognized that children are resilient. Explaining to them that their family member is sick and in need of treatment is usually enough for younger children. A bit more explanation about the nature of the illness for older kids may help and answering any questions they ask as honestly as possible with age appropriate detail is also a good way to handle a hard situation. Older kids may become resentful, but allowing them to feel their anger is important. Providing them with an outlet to explore their emotions and their family member's actions in therapy or support groups can also be beneficial, whether they attend alone or with other family members.

Spouses of Family Members Who Need Drug Treatment

When your significant other abuses alcohol and drugs, your position in the relationship as well as your wants and needs are also abused. You can't depend on a partner who may or may not be under the influence at any given time, someone who constantly puts their addiction before you and the relationship. It's important that you find your own space and support outside of the home with friends, support groups and therapy. When your family member is in treatment, continue with your own therapy and remind yourself of who you are outside of the relationship. If you choose, you can also take part in your spouse's therapy through family therapy sessions closer to the end of their relationship.

Holding The Family Together During Drug Treatment

Therapy is a good way to keep everyone communicating while a family member is in treatment and when they return home. Family meal times, outings and movie nights are other ways to make sure that everyone can connect despite the drug and alcohol addiction that plagues the family. Take advantage of the time that your family member is away in rehab to reconnect with each other but prepare to welcome him or her back into the fold when they come home.

Drug Treatment at The Canyon

At The Canyon, we can help you stage an intervention for your family member to help him or her get into treatment. We also can refer you to places of support while your family member is in drug rehab. Towards the end of treatment, family therapy may be appropriate. If you have any questions about what we have to offer your family member, contact The Canyon today at .