The Trampoline Effect
Addiction in the family is a painful and exhausting experience for all people involved. A family member with a substance abuse or dependency problem will generally keep using, no matter the consequences, because certain chemical and neurological changes in the brain have been made.
For example, if you were asked to jump as high as you could and the higher you jumped the better you would feel, would you jump from the ground or would you find a trampoline? Drugs are equal to a trampoline in that they generally make a person feel extraordinary, happy, peaceful and or numb.
Educate, Not Blame Yourself
If you are a family member of someone struggling with addiction the first step is to stop blaming yourself for the actions of a loved one. Blame is not helping the problem and not helping to end the cycle of addiction.
Educate yourself about addiction to help ease your anxiety and the social and emotional stress caused by addiction in the family.
A great step to take is attendance at Al-Anon or Nar-Anon. It can help family members expand their knowledge and understanding, reducing isolation and despair.
If you are making excuses for your loved one please ask yourself if you are responsible FOR or responsible TO your loved one?
Addiction in the family is chaotic and oftentimes will systematically destroy relationships, trust and feelings of safety. Each family member has the responsibility to take care of him/herself even if others do not validate it.
Help Is Available
At Encino Recovery and Detox Center, families can find the resources and tools needed to help end the cycle of addiction. We offer an array of services and support to anyone involved in the life of someone struggling with addiction.
Our dedicated team of addiction specialists and licensed therapists will answer questions and help empower you to end the pain and loneliness of addiction in the family.
