To the extent that families experience despair, hopelessness, anxiety, and desperation while trying to support their loved one who is suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, there is also the possibility of experiencing pride, excitement, and elation when that same loved one makes incremental progress throughout their journey of recovery. Unfortunately, we haven’t yet figured out a way for families to circumvent the bad that always accompanies the good. During an individual’s road to sobriety, it is to be expected that there will be setbacks, major and minor. While some individual’s get sober and never look back, this is certainly not typical, especially in the context of recovery from Substance Use Disorder. If we imagine a chart, the recovery trajectory looks something like a slight increase in progress over time that is marred with setbacks with respect to something as big as a drug or alcohol relapse, or as seemingly insignificant as a relapse into old, maladaptive behavioral patterns.
If we could obtain wisdom without the requirement of time, we would be able to see the various pitfalls that are associated with families that try to take on the massive task of helping their loved one recover. Addiction is a disease; however, this categorization might lead an unsuspecting family who has a member with addiction to believe that now that there is a diagnosis, and therefore a prescription, the course of action is simple and laid out for the family to follow. Many families have made this mistake and therefore have taken the responsibility of attempting to help and support their loved one without understanding that addiction is not simply a disease rooted in physiology. A typical case looks like this: A family discovers that their loved one is hopelessly addicted to a substance and therefore seeks out consolation from a physician who suggests they admit into a detoxification and treatment facility for 30 days. For brevity’s sake, let’s assume the suffering individual is willing to participate in this plan (never, under any circumstances assume this will happen without severe pushback as it is highly unlikely). It is reasonable to think that the family would believe that their loved one, who spent a month in a drug and alcohol treatment center, would come out rejuvenated and ready to get back to pursuing occupational, educational, and interpersonal goals. Just as certain individuals do not have a substance relapse as part of their story, it may be the case that some individuals only require 30 days of treatment before they can reintegrate themselves into society. This, however, is overwhelmingly not the case for the average family and the average addict. The grim reality is that this disease is not only physiological, but also psychological, emotional, and spiritual as well. That being said, no family is capable of the guidance, support and accountability that is necessary to set up their loved one on the best possible course for recovery. In the event that a particular family was capable of providing all of this, it would be counterproductive for everyone involved to take this massive endeavor on without suffering potentially horrific ramifications.
Hired Power has not only identified the nature and significance of this problem, but has worked to establish programs and services that provide pragmatic and direct solutions in order to aid families in their journey. As a family member of a suffering addict, being able to be there for your loved one during their journey is one of several key foundational structures that help keep the addict from feeling isolated, disconnected, and alone. Hired Power’s programs serve a dual purpose; first, they provide addiction professionals who already have a keen understanding of the innerworkings of this horrid disease whereby they can address the specific and personal needs of the individual. Secondly, and equally important, Hired Power’s services allow breathing room and freedom for the families coping with the stress of supporting their loved one. Even if you’ve never dealt with an addicted family member, it is not difficult to intuit the problems associated with establishing a “duel-relationship” between the role of supportive and loving family, but also the arbiter of punitive measures if the addicts take a step backwards. This creates a confusing environment for the addict and can stir up older familial dynamics that tend to wreak havoc within the family unit. Not utilizing experts while helping support the recovery journey can also lead to an inability to really experience and enjoy their loved ones successes in recovery!
Recovery from addiction is a daily struggle, and the suffering addict who has support, compassion, and sympathy from their family members guarantees that the addict will have a better chance to not only recover from substance abuse, but to forge a path of personal evolution where they can realize their true-self and grow into their potential. While families know best how to support their loved ones on an emotional level, this cannot supplant the necessity of professional guidance, support, and accountability for the addict. Hired Power offers a range of services spanning from PRA’s (personal recovery assistants), to their safe rides program that provides transportation and accountability, and even continuing care management programs whereby the addict is continually, and over a long period of time, held accountable, provided support, and guided to external services that may be necessary in the course of recovery. If your loved one is experiencing issues with addiction, give yourself and your family one of the best chances to reach the light at the end of the tunnel by contacting Hired Power directly today!
Hired Power has the experience, expertise and supportive environment to help you achieve lasting recovery. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Call us today: (800) 910-9299.