The Significance of Family Support and Counseling in Recovery
September marks National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about substance use disorders and celebrating those in recovery. As the month ends, we must remember the recovery process is still just beginning for many people. Family and friends play a critical role in the journey. When someone hopes to support a family member in recovery, seeking counseling for themselves can mean gaining professional guidance and tools to help them understand more about their loved one’s healing process.
Healthy Support
Supporting a loved one in recovery can be emotionally taxing and complex. It’s not always easy to navigate helping someone while setting healthy boundaries to care for oneself. Prioritizing mental health by seeking counseling tailored to family members can be a game changer. Counselors can help loved ones understand the dynamics of addiction, learn effective communication strategies, how to set boundaries and address emotional needs. Therapy can be crucial in promoting long-term health and healing by creating a supportive environment for loved ones to explore their emotions.
Understanding Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
These sessions can also help family members better understand addiction and substance disorder as a disease. Relatives often misunderstand addiction as a lack of willpower; family members may unintentionally contribute to this misconception. Through education and therapy, loved ones can learn about the biological, psychological, and environmental factors contributing to addiction. They can also learn to be supportive while at the same time taking care of themselves in the process. This knowledge can help mend relationships and promote healing for families and individuals.
Contact the OSU NCWR Addiction and Recovery Clinic at 918-561-1890 to schedule an appointment. In case of a medical emergency, please dial 911. For immediate and confidential emotional support, please call 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Helpful resources
OSU NCWR Addiction Recovery Clinic