Families go through just as much stress as clients.
As the addict/alcoholic becomes sick in their addiction, symptoms become obvious; not going to work, lying, weight loss, isolation, loss of relationship and material items, etc. The family members have symptoms as well; change in plans, isolation, embarrassment, lying to other family members and friends, fear of making commitments, enabling factors, etc.
There are issues that need to be faced; resentment, mistrust, loss, crime, and family members who have tried everything to help their loved one with no result or even families that have intensified or enabled the problem. The client also has a large pressure and lasting shame and guilt for letting them down; this can be overbearing.
The list goes on and on. It affects everybody.
The client will need a safe and non-enabling environment and a strong support system to return to. Questions families will have is, “will the client be providing the family with a safe and trusting return?”
After the patient enters our facility, it will take a load off the families mind, knowing that their loved one is safe and getting help. We’ve designed a unique program to work with families side-by-side the psychology team and patient to develop secure changes. Aftercare will always be suggested beyond the walls of Baja Rehab. Returning to a sober living space or intensive outpatient program is where we usually refer.
We know that once the client is freed from the dependency of substances, the family or personal relationships become, once again, very important to their long-term sobriety. Furthermore, we are here to identify the issues and offer help in aftercare therapy with the patient and their families to reconnect and maintain the relationship. Relapse prevention and aftercare options with exit plans are very serious and unique to each individual.
