A family member struggling with substance use disorder (SUD) or behavioral addiction unwittingly changes the family dynamic. It’s an insidious splinter in the family system. Their behavior can be scary, frustrating, sad, aggravating, bewildering, and intrusive. This volatile situation can be highly emotionally charged for everyone. The family soon lives within a dysfunctional matrix due […]
Tag: Family
Don’t Lose Hope: Addiction Is Treatable
A person can become addicted to just about anything. This is because the physiological cause and effect are the same regardless of the stimulus. Addiction is a physical, chemical, psychological, and medical condition. It hijacks the brain and controls the person’s life. It’s not a weakness of character; it is a disease. Fortunately, like many […]
Importance of Family Involvement and Family Education
Individuals experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health issues benefit from family support before, during, and after treatment. If someone you love is in recovery, you can help them heal by educating yourself about their condition. The realities of substance misuse and mental health disorders can surprise family members and friends. Truly understanding what […]
The Importance of Advocating for Family Recovery
Managing any disease without the support of family and friends can be a lonely road. Despite misconceptions, addiction is a brain disease and not a moral choice. Addiction can gradually take control of an individual’s instincts and brain function, damaging their ability to help themselves. This is why family support is crucial for recovery. In […]
The Different Ways Addiction Affects Family
It is well known that addiction affects the whole family, but what does this mean – what does it look like? Addiction diminishes not only the life of the individual addicted but also their loved ones. Addiction can affect families emotionally, financially, legally, and medically. Due to the extent of repercussions families face as a […]
Building a Healthy Family Support System
Family is a word that is typically associated with love, support, and guidance. Although, not all family systems are the same. Having a family member who struggles with substance use disorder (SUD) can create an unstable family system. When a loved one is struggling, it can create feelings of uncertainty, anger, guilt, or shame. Yet, […]
Pre-Intervention: What Your Family Needs to Know
Interventions that can be seen on TV or on the internet may give individuals the wrong perception. In the real world, interventions are not always what dramatic TV shows depict them to be. An intervention is an organized plan to help bring awareness to an individual suffering from substance use or a mental health disorder […]
Why Family Interventions Are Ineffective
There are instances when you and a family member are having an apparent ordinary conversation, but when triggers are mentioned, it can quickly spin into an argument. Things get heated, things are said that can be misconstrued, and feelings can get hurt. Imagine another person sitting at the table adding fuel to this growing fire, […]