Friends & Family of Addicts
More often than not, drug and alcohol addictions start casually in social situations. And for some people, drug use becomes more frequent. As time passes, a person may feel the need to use more of a drug to get their desired high, and soon a person may need the drug to simply feel “good.” When we see this happen to a loved one, we do everything we can to help. But sometimes, our unconditional love simply isn’t enough. Counseling can help not only the addict, but family & friends as well.
Signs and symptoms that you would benefit from counseling to support your loved one in recovery:
1. You worry about how much someone drinks
2. You have money problems because of someone else’s drinking
3. You tell lies to cover up for someone else’s drinking
4. You feel that if the drinker cared about you, they would stop drinking to please you
5. You blame the drinker’s behavior on their or her companions.
6. Plans are frequently upset or canceled or are meals delayed because of the addiction
7. You make threats, such as, “If you don’t stop drinking, I’ll leave you”
8. You secretly try to smell the drinker’s breath
9. You are afraid to upset someone for fear it will set off a drinking bout
10. You have been hurt or embarrassed by a drinker’s behavior
11. Holidays and gatherings are spoiled because of drinking
12. You considered calling the police for help in fear of abuse
13. You search for hidden alcohol or you hide alcohol
14. You have ridden in a car with a driver who has been drinking
15. You refused social invitations out of fear or anxiety
16. You feel like a failure because you can’t control the drinking
17. You think that if the drinker stopped drinking, your other problems would be solved
18. You have threatened to hurt yourself to scare the drinker
19. You feel angry, confused, or depressed most of the time
20. You feel there is no one who understands your problems
While your loved one will have their own journey, you also have your own path. As they gain traction in their recovery, you will also need to find your own path to serenity, for your own mental health and happiness, but also to support your loved one. Many benefit from learning they are not alone, attending 12-step meetings like Al-Anon, group psychotherapy, or individual counseling.
If you can relate to the above symptoms and behaviors, it may be time to consider counseling for yourself.
At MBC, we have Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Psychologists, Psychotherapists, and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners who understand the impact of addiction on relationships. Many of our providers are 12-step informed or are members of a 12-step fellowship. We know the importance of experience, strength, hope & community in the recovery from the disease of addiction.
