Recovery Guidelines for Family Members

As the identified patient in treatment will receive a framework for abstinence and recovery, the family members must participate in their own recovery.

My loved one is now in treatment, what should I do?

When a member of the family suffers from addiction, the whole family is affected. As the identified patient in treatment will receive a framework for abstinence and recovery, the family members, and loved ones must participate in their own recovery.

Cumberland Heights has identified guidelines for family members that when followed change their outlook from desperation to hope and have a positive impact on the desired outcome of abstinence and sustained recovery.

Supporting a loved one to enter treatment is a great start but not enough by itself to achieve lasting recovery for yourself. Below are simple and effective actions which are known to positively impact your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing as well as having a positive impact on the person in treatment.

These actions offer you the opportunity to take charge of your own recovery and positively impact your loved one’s recovery:

Schedule to participate in the Family Program and participate in Sunday Family Recovery Day, particularly at 1:15pm. Be engaged in recovery activities.
Choose a meditation book and read it daily: We recommend One Day at a Time or Courage to Change or another recovery orientated meditation.
Identify one support-person you can call or visit and make the call or visit.
Pick the location of the local support group meeting in your community and attend a meeting of; Al-anon, Nar-anon, Families Anonymous or another support group.
If you have a question about yourself or if you are sure you can use an assessment or treatment for substance abuse/addiction, please make a process addiction or mental health counseling appointment and/or assessment.
Do at least one fun wellness activity that you may have postponed because of your preoccupation with your loved one struggling with addiction. (Read a book; take a walk; watch a movie; talk to a neighbor; attend a spiritual service or activity; ride a bike; mindfulness group; go fishing; have pancakes for dinner, etc.)