How to Help Families Navigate Detox From Substances

New experiences are often scary. This is especially true when that new experience involves the care of a loved one. The influential Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, "People have a hard time letting go of their suffering. Out of a fear of the unknown, they prefer suffering that is familiar." So for those new to detox, it can be frightening for the individual and the family.

Supporting a loved one in a residential detox program can be difficult. That is why knowing what to expect as a family while you're loved one is in detox can be critical.

The ability to handle difficult phone calls, set firm boundaries, engage in follow-up care after the detox, and incorporate a recovery companion can help the entire family recover. Remember that alcohol or substance use disorder (SUD) is a "family disease."

Understanding Substance Use Disorder as a "Family Disease"

When someone struggles with substance abuse, it rarely just affects the individual. Their struggles are but the drop in the pond, but the effects that ripple out travel far. This is especially true for those closer to their orbit. This is especially true for the family. Many 12-Step programs refer to alcohol or substance abuse as a "family disease" because of these effects.

While the person struggling with substances is stressing about how they will continue their behavior, the family often stresses what their behavior is doing to them. While in active addiction, they can engage in risky behavior in any environment, and the family is often involved in looking for them. So, yes, the struggle is a shared one.

This struggle does not stop once the individual chooses to detox. While the struggle has now become a positive step toward recovery, that does not mean that there will not be stressful times. The journey will include fear, anxiety, and continued healing.

The good news is that there are ways to mitigate stressors, relieve worries and begin the healing process once a family member has chosen detox. However, they need professional guidance, therapeutic tools, and recovery resources to help achieve them.

What Exactly Constitutes a "Detox"?

For those who have not been through it before, it may be helpful to understand better what a detox is. A quick note; this detox is not to be confused with any homeopathic or holistic dietary detox. This is strictly associated with addiction recovery.

Detoxification — more commonly referred to as detox — is simple on paper. It is the process of allowing the body to naturally expel the physical presence of toxic substances from the body. But, of course, there is much more to implementation than that.

Long-term alcohol or substance abuse can inflict serious harm on the physical body. Detox aims to slowly and safely reduce any further harm to the body as the substances it has come to rely on are removed.

There is also the matter of the mental toll that substances have on the individual. This mental dependency and "obsession" often kicks in during detoxification. Detox must be done professionally to ensure it is seen through to the end. After all, anyone who has gone through detox knows they don't want to go through it again.

It is also vital that a detox is done in a professional setting because there can be severe health risks for the individual. While rare, some people can experience health complications while detoxing. This is especially true with those struggling with alcohol use disorder.

Seeing Someone Through the Detox Process

While detox is a struggle for the individual, the family also has struggles to contend with. However, there are multiple solutions to manage these struggles better.

Family therapy can be a crucial tool for a loved one undergoing detox. Therapy can create a safe space for everyone in the family to communicate their struggles and anxieties associated with the situation. It is family therapy that family members and their loved one can learn to communicate effectively.

This therapy will also help open new lines of communication within the family and help the family navigate difficult situations like taking a call from someone struggling while detoxing. Another benefit is that family therapy can continue well into someone's recovery because issues may occur after a loved one transitions from one step to another in their recovery journey.

Another tool for family healing is integrating a recovery companion into their program. A recovery companion can help keep the individual struggling on track while keeping the family informed on their loved one's progress or potential pitfalls.

This new recovery journey can be scary for families new to detox. However, just remember that fear is only temporary. As they see how their loved one is progressing on their path to recovery, they will soon understand the importance of joining them.

Navigating the world of detox is often complex and creates a series of unanswered questions. These questions may include how to set firm boundaries once your family member chooses to detox. What to do once your loved one leaves detox. How to handle emotional phone calls while the detox is taking place, and how incorporating a family coach can better improve the entire family's chance for recovery. SUD is a family disease, so the entire family must get the help they need. These questions must get answered so you can better help your loved ones get the help they need. For more information, call Next Level Recovery Associates today at (561) 735-2590.