Experts in the field of chemical dependency have defined addiction as a family disease. The disease significantly impacts each member of the family, not just the person using the alcohol or drugs. When chemical dependency begins to take control of a person in the family, other members of the family instinctively adjust their own behaviors. They have been forced to react and adjust just to keep things in order. Often, these changes are attempts to help control or lessen the damage the addicted person is causing. The partner, parent or child wants to make things better to compensate for the destructive behavior to accommodate or “bail out” the chemically dependent person does more harm than good. Statistics show the family involvement in the recovery program improves the chance of sobriety, as well as improving the lives of every family member. Active participation is a necessary component to allow the family to heal and recover. In addition to participating in a family program associated with the treatment center, family members can also attend Al-Anon and/or Alateen.
Al-Anon
For over 50 years, Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people. Alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.
How will Al-Anon Help Me?
Many who come to Al-Anon/Alateen are in despair feeling hopeless, or unable to believe that things can ever change. We want our lives to be different, but nothing we have done has brought about change. We all come to Al-Anon because we want and need help. In Al-Anon and Alateen, members share their own experience, strength, and hope with each other. You will meet others who share your feelings and frustrations, if not your exact situation. We come together to learn a better way of life and to find happiness whether the alcoholics is still drinking or not.
How Do I find a Meeting?
Al-Anon may be listed in the white pages of your local telephone directory. Cities with local informational pages are listed on our website. Many of that listed post meeting information on their websites. For meeting information, you can call 1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666) Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 6:00pm ET.
Contact Palmetto Addiction Recovery Center Today
The goal of the Continuous Family Counseling Program is to provide patients and families with support, education, and a therapeutic environment in which to address the impact of the patient’s addiction and chemical dependency on the family. Additionally, the Continuous Family Counseling Program will help reduce confusion and frustration brought on by addicted persons behaviors, empower the family to comprehend how to be supportive during the recovery process and for the rest of their lives, help family members understand the disease of addiction, cross addiction, and align with and endorse treatment goals, and reduce premature departures from treatment.
The Family Weekend is an intensive, two-day program designed to educate family members about the disease of addiction and to provide an environment in which the family can discuss the impact of the disease on the family as a whole.