How To Tell Your Family You’re Struggling With Addiction

Many people who experience alcohol or drug addiction may struggle with feelings of guilt, frustration, and shame.

These feelings can make it seem impossible to talk to your loved ones and family members about your substance abuse.

However, hiding your addiction will only lead you to feel more isolated. Being honest with your family and reaching out for support is crucial to your recovery journey.

Educate Yourself On Your Condition

Understanding how drug or alcohol addiction changes your brain allows you to understand how it has affected you and is the first step in taking control of your life.

Understanding your substance use disorder can also help you educate your family on why you need help.

Having the proper education on your condition can help you dispel any stigma your family members may have toward substance use and addiction treatment.

Prepare What You Want To Say

Telling your loved ones about your addiction can trigger strong responses, but it’s important to keep the conversation on track. Preparing what you want to say is helpful in that regard.

Write down your main points and practice the conversation with a trusted friend or family member.

Discuss ways to respond if someone has a more emotional response or tries to derail your conversation.

Choosing A Safe Place And Appropriate Time

When talking to your family about your drug or alcohol abuse, it is essential to find the right moment and place to have that difficult conversation.

Choose a quiet location where you feel safe to talk to your loved ones. Have the conversation at a time when you feel calm and ready to handle any reactions they may have.

Ensure that you have the conversation when everyone has time and that they will not be preoccupied with other distractions.

If your family has a history of abuse or violent behavior, talk to a therapist or addiction specialist to determine if and when it is safe for you to attempt this conversation.

Communicate Clearly And Honestly

It is crucial to communicate clearly and honestly about your drug use as well as your reasons for seeking help.

Let your loved ones know about the extent of your drug or alcohol use, and inform them of any co-occurring mental health disorders that you have had formally diagnosed.

Being honest about your circumstances will help your family to understand why treatment is important to you while emphasizing your commitment to improve your well-being.

Establishing Boundaries And Expectations

It is essential during this conversation to set expectations and establish boundaries for addiction recovery.

Explain to them that they are a crucial part of your support system and you want to involve them in treatment through family therapy and other interventions.

However, the recovery process depends on you.

Explain to them that you may need to attend a treatment facility more than once and that relapse is common and is sometimes a part of the recovery process.

Communicate to them that family support is crucial to the recovery process and that there may be a long road ahead.

Anticipate A Range Of Emotional Reactions

The hardest part of the conversation is anticipating how your family will react. They may be shocked, or they may have already suspected that you were abusing drugs and alcohol.

Your family may experience anger, fear, embarrassment, frustration, or sadness. Some of these emotions are rational while others may be more challenging.

Whether their reactions are positive or negative, it is crucial to acknowledge them and continue the conversation as rationally and calmly as you can.

Some family members may take a few days to process the information and their emotions, so you may get questions over a period of time following the initial conversation.

Affirming Your Commitment To Recovery

It is crucial to ensure your family that you are committed to your recovery.

Let them know the treatment services you will receive, including behavioral health treatments, detox, evidence-based treatments for mental health conditions, if you have any, medications, and support groups.

Ensure them that you are committed to your overall wellness and are willing to do whatever it takes to recover from your addiction.

Ask About Starting Your Recovery In Massachusetts

If you or a loved one is living with addiction and is ready to receive treatment, we can help. Contact Spring Hill Recovery Center to learn more about our treatment center.