Recovery isn’t just for the one with the addiction.
Q: My loved one is in rehab and I want to know what is going on. What can I do?
A: Centered Recovery knows that addiction doesn’t just happen to one person. The loved ones of our clients are strongly encouraged to participate in the recovery process. Due to the nature of the recovery process, our facility focuses on stabilizing the client first and helping them establish a healthy routine as they attempt to reintegrate to their family, work, and home life after admitting they have an addiction problem, or completing a residential or detox stay. Typically, we recommend the significant other or the parents of a client participate in a family session with the client about 6 weeks after treatment begins. While this session, as well as any level of family involvement, is up to the client, the treatment team at Centered strongly encourage all clients to involve family members or friends where appropriate.
Q: What can I do when I feel like my loved one is getting all the help and attention in rehab, and I feel frustrated by the lack of help for me?
A: Addiction can be messy, to say the least. People may do hurtful or inconsiderate things in addiction that they would never otherwise do. Loved ones and spouses may be angry and hurt by the past, and it may seem incredibly unfair that one person seems to be getting all the help. The treatment team at Centered strongly recommends that loved ones of people in recovery seek their own mental health clinician to help process the damage, hurt, and/or betrayal that may have accompanied addiction and help begin the healing process for themselves. Our team of professionals can recommend clinicians who are familiar with the recovery process, and specifically, the recovery process at Centered. We also recommend spouses and parents participate in at least one or more family sessions when family can be included in the recovery program, around four to six weeks after outpatient treatment begins.
Q: I don’t understand what my loved one is learning or going through in rehab, and what they tell me doesn’t make much sense. What can I do in this situation?
A: Recovery can be a scary time for both clients and their loved ones. It is a time of great vulnerability, where a person admits they need help getting or remaining healthy over substances which they feel powerless over. Many times, the process may seem frustratingly slow to loved ones and clients alike. Occasionally, clients may appear to go backwards, as topics or emotions that have previously been ignored come to the surface. In any recovery program, clients may understand bits and pieces of what is being explored as they go, which hopefully then culminate in a strong, full recovery. In a mindfulness-based recovery program, the focus is on understanding behaviors and patterns, and looking for solutions and resilience. While past events and behaviors may be addressed if the client and treatment team feels it is pertinent to recovery, the main focus of treatment at Centered is on moving beyond addictions and unhealthy behaviors, not labeling past actions or habits. If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind Centered’s mindfulness based program, click here or here.
