Dealing With Drug Addicts and Alcoholics - The Family Needs Rehabilitation Too

Getting a loved one into drug rehab is a first goodthey can control, themselves. They need their loved
step. Getting the rest of the family to take a longones to recognize their role as well. The rules should
hard look at their role in "this mess" is a good nextbe different after rehab. They need to be clearly
step. Most families have a belief that getting thestated, supported, and enforced. The family needs to
addict to rehab is the answer. It is not. It is thesay "we love you... we are proud of you... but we
beginning that if all else moves in the right direction,know that we are partially responsible for you ending
may lead to a successful recovery.up where you are. And we are making the following
What do we mean by "all else"? First of all, achanges starting today."
majority of the time, it's not the drugs or the alcoholIf the family is being truly honest with themselves,
that is the problem. They are the symptoms of thethey will recognize that they need a "family week" at
"real issues". If a family chooses the right center,a center as well. Ask for it when you check your
their loved one will have a good chance to begin toloved one into treatment. Many centers will gladly put
rebuild. However their life, or what may be left of it,together a package where the entire family can
is still waiting for them when they return. This meansattend and begin the healing process together.
their friends, family, finances, children, employment,It is important to have a plan. It is vital that
housing, transportation etc..everyone in this plan is on the same page.
The addicts job in rehabilitation is to focus on what