Anyone close to someone addicted to alcohol or drugs is affected by that addiction. Friends, family members, co-workers and peers struggle with strained relationships, the desire to help the person and just figuring out how to deal with someone that seems to be on the road to destruction.
Even when that person gets into much needed treatment for their substance abuse, the remaining friends and family members need to evaluate what addiction has done to their relationships and to them. Recovery is a common term for those that find sobriety and a new way of life, but recovery is also for the network of friends and family members around the addicted person.
Trust that was lost must be built again. This is often easier said than done. Friends and family need to take a look at how they’ve all been impacted and ask themselves individually, how was I changed by this experience? What changed for the good and what changed for the bad? How do I move forward?
These are not easy questions to answer. Luckily, many substance abuse treatment facilities have programs specifically for those affected by addiction. Crossroads for Women has family programs at its residential facilities and outpatient services for those affected by a loved one’s addiction. Its popular educational series, “The Effects of Addiction on Friends and Family,” addresses the basics of addiction, the recovery process and how to be supportive of an addicted loved one while also taking care of you. The last week of the 4-week series is dedicated to recovery for the whole family.
Anyone with a loved one that is addicted to drugs or alcohol or who works with those that are affected, whether they are in treatment or not, would benefit from this series. The next one starts on June 3rd at Crossroads for Women’s outpatient office on 66 Pearl Street, Suite 202 in Portland, Maine. Find out more
FMI
Get details about the June 3rd educational series
View “The Effects of Addiction on Friends and Family” flyer with 2008 schedule (PDF)
Find out more about Crossroads for Women’s services for those affected by addiction
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