Recovery is an ongoing process for individuals with substance use disorder and their loved ones. Joining a support group specifically designed for family members of those in recovery from addiction can be very helpful. In his comprehensive report on the addiction crisis in America, the Surgeon General emphasized the importance of such groups:
“Mutual aid groups and newly emerging recovery support programs and organizations are a key part of the system of continuing care for substance use disorders in the United States. A range of recovery support services has sprung up all over the United States, including in schools, health care systems, housing, and community settings.”
Examples are the traditional Al-Anon and Nar-Anon, which emerged from 12-Step programs and were developed to help family and friends of addicts recover from the effects of living with an addicted relative or friend. Twelve-Step fellowships have been very important to many people struggling with substance use disorders and can be just as helpful for their friends and relatives. The groups are easy to join with regular meetings all over the United States.
The benefits of joining such groups include: learning from the successes and failures of others, becoming part of a community of people living through the same struggles, and having a safe place to vent frustrations and ask questions.
Recovering from a substance use disorder and a co-occurring condition is not easy for anybody. Your loved one will need all the help that they can get. Just knowing that their family is on their side supporting them in their struggle against addiction is a powerful incentive to get better.
Contact Futures today to learn more about options for family members who wish to provide positive and healing support to their loved ones in recovery.