Rebuilding a relationship that has been harmed by the effects of addiction can be very challenging. Some people in your life may clearly understand what you’re going through. However, those who don’t understand may feel distant or even hostile. It’s important to understand that while everyone wants your sobriety, they may have misconceptions about addiction or how to support you.
Making amends with family and friends is an important step in the recovery process. Doing this takes a lot of emotional processing and willingness to change. However, it’s worth it. Getting professional help may help you make amends with more confidence and care.
At Solution Based Treatment in Murrieta, California, we offer treatment programs that encourage family and friends to stay connected with their loved one. Reach out to us today online, or call 833.999.1941 for more information about our family therapy program.
Making Amends with Family
While it’s normal for every family to have its own history of ups and downs, addiction can affect your family in ways that other challenges don’t. It’s important to get everyone on the same page in terms of understanding addiction. In doing so, everyone can work together with a united front.
Making amends with family members may feel like the last thing you want to do, especially if your family is trying to give “tough love.” However, when you make amends, you can find a renewed and even closer relationship than you previously had with your family.
Going through some key steps in making amends can give your family the feedback and understanding they need. Here are some guidelines for making amends:
- Acknowledge the pain and hurt caused by your addiction. Then, listen to how your family members feel.
- Remember that the destructive behaviors they may feel upset about are symptoms of addiction, not symptoms of you being a bad person.
- Don’t make excuses. Let them know that you’re working hard to make significant changes to your life and your own habits.
- Ask them what you might be able to do to make things better. You can choose to have regular phone calls, invite them to family therapy, and keep them informed about how your recovery is going.
At Solution Based Treatment, our family therapy program gives clients and their families structured therapy that gives everyone a seat at the table. Our mental health and addiction experts are here to help guide you and your family in rebuilding your relationships.
Family Therapy at SBT
Our family therapy programs at SBT are designed to give all clients the tools they need to build and maintain strong family relationships. We offer a variety of services to cover a full spectrum of needs and assist the family unit in recovery.
At our family therapy program, clients and their families can:
- Work through any issues that may be related to your addiction and how it has affected your family members
- Learn how to address emotional, mental, and behavioral problems in a healthy and collaborative way
- Identify triggers that may cause relapse, and triggers that cause family members to feel stressed or anxious
- Participate in group and individual therapy, so that everyone has a chance to be heard and understood
- Make a plan to seal the deal on your recovery and keep addiction out of the family unit
- Set goals together, and celebrate together when milestones are achieved
When family relationships have been damaged, it’s often one’s instinct to run away from trying to repair anything. However, this kind of isolation can make people more vulnerable to addiction, and furthers feelings of disconnection. If someone you care about has been abusing alcohol or drugs, reach out for help today. Leading by example and not giving up on your loved one can make a world of difference.
Start Rebuilding Family Relationships Today
Solution Based Treatment’s team of medical and psychological professionals want you and your family to be able to grow through addiction recovery. Strong family relationships can be a bedrock for maintaining a sober life for good. Reach out to SBT’s compassionate and welcoming team today. We will fight alongside you and your family to beat addiction once and for all. Just call us at 833.999.1941 or send us a message online, and we’ll be happy to get back to you with more information.