Family Member Resources
As a family member of an addicted love one you may feel not only lost but helpless. With no road map to guide you through the challenges you have and will face, families are left devastated. Not only is substance abuse a problem for families but mental health issues can run hand in hand with substance abuse. This only creates more forks in the road that can lead down a path of total destruction.
Are you a close friend or family member of an addicted love one and feel like you don't know where to turn to get them help, well we can help you. We can also offer you help if your loved one suffers from mental health issues.
* This is only a sample list, for a more comprehensive list of available resources please contact us.*
Are you a close friend or family member of an addicted love one and feel like you don't know where to turn to get them help, well we can help you. We can also offer you help if your loved one suffers from mental health issues.
* This is only a sample list, for a more comprehensive list of available resources please contact us.*
Support: Family Involvement Center.
Support: P.A.L Parents (spouses and family members) of Addicted Loved Ones. Support: S.P.A.R.K. Group (supporting parents of at-risk kids) *several locations. Resource Websites/Hotlines A National Help Line The National Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral Routing Service Shelter Websites _ |
_The Mission of the Family Involvement Center is to assist and support families/caregivers and help policy makers, agencies and providers transform systems, to ensure that children and youth with emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges succeed in school, live with their families, avoid delinquency, and become productive youth and adults.
The PAL-Group meets every week to provide Education and support, at no charge, for parents who are trying to save a son or daughter from addiction. PAL also helps spouses who may feel they are having to parent their addicted partner. PAL is especially helpful for parents and spouses, however all other family members and friends are also welcome. Topics Include: Why Your Teen Misbehaves; The Art of Negotiation; Effective Listening; Positive Discipline; Talking about Tough Topics; Being Unpredictable; Mental Health Issues; 40 Developmental Assets; Toxins in Your Relationship; Stress Management (ect.). Offers various resource information. |
www.familyinvolvementcenter.org or (602) 288-0155.
www.pal-group.org Contact us for location sites. www.notmykid.com. 1-800-252-6465 1-800-662-HELP (4357) www.ShelterListings.org www.FinancialHelpResources.com |
Five Ways To Help A Loved One With An Addiction Problem
Here are a few very important steps to follow when facing a loved one with an addiction problem:
1) Don’t ignore the problem.
Your silence or lack of action might be interpreted as condoning the behavior.
2) Don’t be overly confrontational.
Direct confrontation might escalate into a dangerous situation, especially if the individual is under the influence at the time.
“When you confront is as important as how you confront,” Solomon explains.
“Direct confrontations such as, “You’re drunk,” or “Where did all of the money go?” may drive the addict away even further. Active addicts are very protective of their addiction. The most effective confrontation may be an indirect style.”
3) Make the addiction as uncomfortable as possible.
“This is the most difficult step in helping a suffering person. It requires consistent “tough love” and can last several weeks or months. But this is required in order to make recovery possible,” Solomon says.
It may seem harsh, but Solomon says you need to let the addict suffer the consequences of his or her addiction. “Cut off all support. Stop giving financial help. Cancel credit cards. Exclude the addict from family functions. Kick them out of the house and change the locks. Do not bail them out of jail. Spending time in jail has helped many addicted individuals get started on the right path,” he says.
He also emphasizes that this approach can be done in a loving manner, such as stating: “You are welcome here, but your addiction is not.”
4) Make recovery as attractive as possible.
Offer the suffering person hope. Repeatedly tell your loved one or friend how much things will improve if he or she starts a recovery program.
“You will have to be consistent and patient,” Solomon says. “The suffering individual may need to suffer more consequences before finally deciding on getting help. Continue to make recovery attractive and addiction uncomfortable.”
5) Have a plan and take care of yourself.
Be prepared for the moment that the suffering person sincerely asks for help.
“Have a treatment program already picked out. Stay in contact with that facility occasionally to verify availability, costs and admission procedures. When the addict asks for help, you want to take advantage of the window of opportunity,” Solomon says. “In the meantime, take good care of yourself so you can offer healthy assistance when your loved one or friend asks for help.”
*Written by Larry Solomon at Calvary Addiction Recovery Center, www.CalvaryCenter.com.