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Phone Rehab Guide on:
0845 600 7566
Helping families and friend dealing with addiction
Family and Friends
Addiction is a family disease, affecting everyone who has a
relationship with the addict. Those closest to the addict may
suffer their own trauma, which, if not treated correctly, can lead
to serious long-lasting health problems. Even a work-colleague can
get caught up in the addict’s behaviour, focusing on the addict’s
difficulties and losing sight of their own well-being.
At Rehab Guide we can assist you, as family and friends, through
the addict’s recovery by providing information about interventions
or services to help you. We also have an email therapy service with
the option of long-term support (strongly recommended).
When supporting a family member or a friend who is suffering
with addiction, you must let them know you are on their side and
want to help them. If the addict is resistant to help, in denial
about the extent of their addiction, or trying to convince
themselves that they can get sober on their own, you may have to
arrange an intervention involving family and friends. Knowing that
the individual is out of control and cannot function on a daily
basis without alcohol or drugs is the surest sign that you need to
make an intervention.
Intervention
If a family member or friend is resistant to help or in denial
about the extent of their addiction it would be advised to
facilitate a family intervention whereby family and friends can get
an opportunity to express their concerns jointly in a sensitive
manner. It is important that this is carried out in a manner that
lets the addict know you are on their side. It is also important to
be aware that the responses you receive may frustrate you due their
denial or lack of emotion. You must remain in control of your
emotions through the process. If you lose control it could make the
situation worse. Initially you may not get the desired outcome of
the meeting but may be able to compromise a way forward or set
smaller goals which may lead towards a desired outcome, appropriate
and effective support.
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