Substance use disorders have enormous impact on the family members and loved ones. It is easy for those outside the family to give what seems to be simple common sense advice. Often this comes in the form of “You don’t have to take that… just move out!” or “I’d ground him if he were my son.” In almost every case, these solutions have been attempted long before the family member was even willing to talk about the problem.
The family structure is often compared to a mobile — an art medium in which a number of objects, balanced on sticks and strings, is suspended from the ceiling. When one part of the mobile (in this case a family member) is moved, all parts of the structure are affected. In a family where use of substances has caused problems, members of the family learn roles to cope with the constant instability of life. The reaction to the harmful use of a family member is called co-dependency.
Once a significant pattern of use has started, it is common that the user becomes unable or unwilling to change his/her use patterns.
If this is true for the person using the chemical, imagine the near impossibility of another person to have an impact on that pattern. There are few things family members can do, and many, even when done well, don’t end up with the results desired. However, with help, there is hope for lasting recovery for the entire family.
Here are some helpful actions that family members can take:
Separate the behavior from the person.
Your loved one is not defined by their use. The person you care about exists and can return if the using stops.
Take care of yourself.
Make sure you are not sucked into unhealthy relational patterns or even into using the substance yourself.
Talk about it.
It is easy to be held hostage by silence. As often as possible, be honest, open and willing to accept help from others.
- Talk openly within the family and with friends.
- Attend a support group such as Al-Anon Family Groups (a companion to the AA/NA fellowships, set up as support for loved ones of those with drinking or other drug use problems).
- Utilize help from licensed therapists who specialize in addiction treatment.
Set boundaries.
With the input of others, make a decision about how much you are willing to accept, and have a consequence if the substance user disrespects that boundary. For children, this can include restriction of privileges. For marriages or committed relationships, this can range from making the home an alcohol-free zone to separation or police involvement.
Let the substance user feel the consequences.
This is perhaps the most difficult and most important. It is painful for other family members if the drinker/user loses a job, gets arrested or has to find somewhere else to sleep. However, the wisdom from recovering people is that “when there is enough pain, change will come.”
Seek help!
The most important thing to do is to have contact with a therapist or others who have been through this disease with their loved ones. Fears of judgment and shame disappear quickly once the veil of secrecy is lifted. Those persons know the pain and frustration involved, and wisdom is often yours for the asking.
There is hope and help for persons with addiction and the family. Recovery is possible!
Support Groups for Family & Friends
- Al-Anon Family Groups: For family and friends of those who misuse alcohol
- Nar-Anon Family Groups: For family and friends of those who misuse drugs
- Adult Children of Alcoholics
