Jun
15
Written by:
LVRCfamily
6/15/2009 1:09 PM
The disease of addiction can be treated. To start with, it will be helpful for the family to stop thinking of a loved one as weak or immoral or lacking willpower. Addiction is not about willpower or morality. The addicted family member is sick and needs to be treated so that he or she can start to heal. Looking at addiction as a disease may conflict with some of the beliefs many families hold; however, our goal is to help families understand as much as possible about these concepts.
Family members may experience feelings of helplessness, anger, frustration, and depression. The more helpless a person feels, the more he or she will struggle to control, dominate, or manipulate others. Often the misguided efforts of others to be helpful only make the situation worse. This is common to both the addict and family members. In order to survive the chaos and unpredictability, family members often adopt certain coping skills that do not serve them well. Family discord then becomes a major source of stress for everyone involved. Patience and understanding are essential. The habits families have become accustomed to can be broken, but it takes time.
We understand there is much to deal with as a loved one and his or her family begins to tackle the damage caused by this disease. The Family Renewal Program at Las Vegas Recovery Center can help family members start their own recovery journey so that all involved will have a successful treatment experience.
Having an addicted or drug dependent individual enter treatment can be a frightening and confusing time for the whole family. Family members may experience a sense of relief because their loved one is getting help, but then may feel abandoned and lost because they are hurting too. This is why LVRC is so committed to treating family members, as well as the client who enters our program.
If you feel your loved one is suffering from the disease of addiction or drug dependence, please call to speak with one of our addiction specialists. We are here to help your loved one and you find recovery and get back on the road to health.
A dedicated staff member is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about our family weekend, our weekly family support group, and/or to speak with one of our addiction specialists, call 702-515-1373 or 800-790-0091.