Family Involvement for Loved Ones

Chestnut strongly encourages families to participate in their loved one’s treatment. Substance use affects the entire family and may cause breakdowns in communication and trust. For a young person to be successful in recovery, the family needs to understand addiction, learn the importance of family support, and make adjustments in their own behavior. Family members also need support during their loved one’s treatment. 

Chestnut helps families to understand: 

• Addiction
• How addiction affects the family
• How to recognize and prepare for possible relapse
• Roles in the family
• More effective communication 

Families also benefit from meeting and talking with other families in similar situations. Individual family counseling may also be appropriate. 

No treatment setting can replace a family’s supervision and care. From the moment a person enters treatment, we must help him or her begin the process of transition to a long-term environment that supports lasting recovery. Those in treatment who have family supporting their recovery have the best chance of ultimately living a life of freedom, sobriety, and choice.

Parents can access a research-supported online course on how to effectively interact with their children to change drug and alcohol behavior. It is available through collaboration with The Cadence Online Company, Treatment Research Institute, and Dr. Robert J. Meyers. Visit www.cadenceonline.com to learn more about ParentCRAFT and how parents can make a difference. (Use the code CHSPCT to receive a 20% discount.)

Family members or friends can find additional support during their loved one’s treatment and recovery by attending community support groups such as Al-Anon or Alateen.