Addiction is a family disease. It doesn’t just impact the addicted individual. Addicts don’t just hurt themselves; family and loved ones are often greatly impacted too. They are the ones up late at night waiting for that dreaded phone call. They are the ones blaming themselves for what they did wrong or could’ve done better. They are the ones sober and who can remember the traumatic incidents that occur night after night.
Resources
You are not alone. Counseling can help. Talking to someone about what you’ve been through as a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend of an addict can relieve stress and lessen the burden. Whether it’s individual counseling, couples counseling, family counseling, or education, Lapde is experienced in working with families and loved ones of addicts. She has been running a family education group for over five years and has the knowledge, patience, and understanding to help those impacted by the actions of a loved one.
12-Step Help
Al-anon and Nar-anon are some free available resources in the community. They are the family equivalent to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Al-anon and Nar-anon are for family and loved ones, not the addict themselves. They are support groups and outlets for people dealing with similar issues related to addiction.
Fact: Families of addicted individuals are closer than those who have not dealt with an addiction in the family.
Westport Counseling & Therapy 