- Addictions affect relationships so the relationship must be part of the healing process.
- Family members can also engage in the Denial process. But when there is a crisis, family members must face the reality of the situation, then healing begins.
- Common reactions for loved ones is to unwittingly enable the alcoholic/addict. This may allow the addiction to continue and progress. There is a need for understanding enabling patterns, such as caretaking, hiding things from others, looking the other way, believing words instead of looking at the addict's actions, etc.
- Addiction takes its toll on loved ones. Signs of distress may include: exhaustion, worry and anxiety, depression, overly responsible for others, isolation and developing your own addictions.
- Over time, people eventually withdraw from the alcoholic/addict after exhausting attempts to change the addict.
- Al-Anon and Nar-Anon help family members heal from the cycle of addiction.
Meet our counselors,
Karen Ryan, M.S., L.P.C. and Sam Gloyd, M.S., L.P.C.
Call Karen Ryan, M.S., L.P.C. at 770-394-1390
Call Sam Gloyd, M.S., L.P.C. at 404-833-2241
