Addiction
August 28, 2019
Having a family member starting the recovery process can be incredibly challenging for everyone. You can feel hopeful that recovery has begun, but still feel overwhelmed by the journey ahead. One valuable resource is Al-Anon.
Al-Anon for Families is a supportive community designed explicitly for those impacted by a loved one’s addiction, especially with alcohol.
Understanding the Impact of Addiction on Families
Addiction takes an incredible emotional toll on not just one individual but entire families. It causes guilt, shame, confusion, and frustration for everyone.
During the recovery process, it’s essential to address the unique needs of each family member. Al-Anon can help you do this.
Al-Anon for Families: Find a Safe Haven
If your life has been affected by someone else’s drinking, Al-Anon could be the support group for you. Al-Anon groups are typically filled with family members and friends of people experiencing alcoholism. Whether or not the person in your life is willing to admit to a drinking problem or seek help, Al-Anon offers valuable insights into how you can improve your life and positively influence your loved one.
Al-Anon offers a non-judgmental and confidential space where you can share your thoughts and experiences about how alcoholism has affected you and your family’s life.
Al-Anon is free to join and does not have dues or fees. However, a group collection bucket may be available at meetings for voluntary donations. These donations help pay for space rental, literature, and other support services.
Learning from Shared Experiences
Joining a support group with people who have shared similar experiences to yours can offer incredible and powerful benefits.
Some of these benefits may include:
There is power in shared experiences. Participating in an Al-Anon group can help you foster empathy, offer validation, and give you a sense of community–all critical to improving your overall well-being.
One study showed that new members who consistently attended Al-Anon meetings for six months had a better relationship with family members and improved well-being. When you are in a healthier state of mind, you are better equipped to help your family members who are struggling.
Al-Anon’s Role in Rebuilding Trust
The impact of addiction on families typically includes trust issues. Addiction can cause unpredictable and dangerous behavior that many people try to hide and dismiss. This can lead to lying, boundary breaking, and a lack of trust between family members.
Through the support of Al-Anon, you can start rebuilding the trust within your relationship. Al-Anon teaches principles of communication, forgiveness, and understanding. They can show you how you can support your addicted family member without enabling them.
Give Your Family the Support It Needs with a Sober Living Home
If you have a young adult son who is struggling with addiction, you can seek support from an Al-Anon group. Once your son has committed to recovery, moving to a sober living home like Ethos Recovery could give him the support he needs to reach his recovery goals.
Interested in learning more about the support offered by a sober living home? Contact Ethos Recovery today to see if we’re the right fit for your family.