Going to treatment is one of the best decisions we can make for ourselves. Some may be worried about the stigma associated with going away for treatment and what they will tell their loved ones. However, we will often be surprised by how understanding others are about our decision and may even find encouragement from them. Denial is powerful. When we decide to seek help, we are finally moving past the point of denying that there is a problem. When we open our eyes, and accept that we have a problem, we often realize that our friends and families were much more aware of our struggles with drugs and alcohol than we ever knew. Certainly, there may be extenuating circumstances that may implore us not to disclose certain details about our problem, but in recovery we choose to live a life of complete honesty. We cannot give into shame in regards to our addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, shame is the biggest barrier when one is deciding whether or not to go to treatment, and, “Shame can lead a person to hate themselves, feel hopeless or worthless, or even have self-destructive thoughts. In some ways, it can make a drug or alcohol problem even worse—especially if it makes the person too embarrassed to get help.” However, when we come to understand that addiction is a disease and not a moral failing or lack of self-will, we are in much less danger of giving into shame and continuing deeper into our addiction. If we can move past our shame and recognize that we are making the best decision for ourselves, we will be in a position to involve our family in aspects of our treatment. Developing support systems is a crucial element of maintaining sobriety, and the involvement of family can create a wonderful resource in our recovery. The National Institute of Health explains, “Families can help their loved one in several ways: facilitate their involvement in treatment; attend sessions together to address the SUD and recovery needs; engage in ongoing discussions about recovery, and what can and cannot be done to help the member with the SUD; point out early warning signs of relapse that their loved one may ignore; and help them stabilize from a relapse should one occur.” The decision to be open and honest with our loved ones is ultimately up to us, but we will benefit greatly if we are able to involve them in our treatment as early as possible.
Your story can be one of healing for yourself and your loved ones. You can make the decision to seek help now and begin building a better life, free from the pain of addiction. Oceanfront Recovery, a treatment center in beautiful Laguna Beach, offers a variety of cutting edge treatment methodologies and techniques, including a regularly schedule Family Program, to give you all the tools needed to achieve and maintain sobriety. For more information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
