
Healthy Families Can Emerge From
Addiction
Information for Families
Crisis
A family that has an active addict or alcoholic in it is a family in crisis. Financial obligations are not met, spouses and children are ignored, excuses are constantly made -- the family tries to cover up or explain the behavior of the alcoholic/addict. Everyone in the family is affected.
The spouses and children of an alcoholic/addict develop coping strategies that only work in a dysfunctional family setting. As a result, they have no idea how to function or live in a healthy way.
Denial
The clearest trait of an alcoholic/addict or an addicted family is DENIAL. More often than not, the family learns to make excuses for the alcoholic/addict, and to deny that there is a problem with alcohol or drugs.
- "Dad is not feeling well."
- "Mom is sick today."
- "Johnny is really a good boy."
These phrases are heard again and again.
There is another way.
At Lifetime Recovery, we show the families of our clients that there is another, more healthy way to deal with life and living with a recovering person. We help them to develop new skills and attitudes to cope with the realities of life in a healthy way.
Alanon Family Groups - Strength and Hope for Families and Friends of Problem Drinkers
The disease of addiction affects the entire family system... spouses, partners, adult children, teens, children, parents, grandparents and siblings. Alanon can provide the support you need to begin to heal personally and the strength to practice its principals within your family system until recovery of the problem alcoholic or addict is achieved - or not.
Alanon
www.alanon.org
www.alateen.org
Families Anonymous
www.familiesanonymous.org