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ARC, West Los Angeles California
The family program offered by ARC is designed to serve as a starting point for family members and loved ones to begin the process of resolution for issues that have developed in their own lives as a result of addiction. The family program is held bi-monthly at no additional cost to family members. (Except for the cost of travel and accommodations) The program curriculum includes: - Family workshops
- Family didactic groups
- Relationship counseling
- Individual family therapy
- Multi-family process groups
The family program helps to impart understanding, acceptance and forgiveness for clients and their loved ones. The program curriculum also supports loved ones to: - Improve self-care techniques
- Improve family communication skills
- Help institute healthy family boundaries
- Understand and reshape unhealthy family roles
- Help family members learn how to support their loved one
The program begins on Friday at 8:15 p.m. and concludes on Sunday at noon with family visitation and a barbeque offered for clients and program participants. The program is typically extended to family members and loved ones in the 2nd and 4th week of Phase 1 (Primary Care). This is to allow each client to be completely medically detoxed and fully immersed in a clinical program of support prior to engaging in the opportunity to heal their family relationships. When clients are participating in Phase 2 (Continuing Care) and/or Phase 3 (Extended Care) the same participation parameters apply. (During continuing care and extended care family members are encouraged to participate in the 2nd and 4th weeks of each clients treatment stay.) The family program is facilitated by a multi-disciplinary clinical team of experienced, licensed professionals and is conducted with a heightened sensitivity to the differing circumstances and historical experiences of each family member participating. Family members can be assured that family services are provided in a dignified, comforting fashion with the sole intention of ARC being to begin the process of personal resolution for those affected by addiction. The family programs primary function is to serve as a stepping stone towards the healing of inter-personal relationships. If you have further questions about the ARC family program feel free to call 877 415 HOPE. Feelings Commonly Associated with a Loved Ones Chemical Dependency Issues Often, during active addiction, loved ones experience a variety of feelings and emotions in relationship to the different stages of the addictive process. Some of these can include: - Denial that a problem with substance abuse exists for their loved one
- A sense of powerlessness over the outcome of the addictive process
- Feelings of frustration and/or anger resulting from the addiction and correlating behaviors
- Feelings of concern for the health and well being of the afflicted
- A sense of obligation and loyalty to the afflicted; often combined with a growing sense of desperation for “what might happen” if the addiction continues
- Feelings of disappointment and/or discouragement in their loved one
- A sense of personal responsibility, that somehow they did something to make the addiction come to fruition
How to Help a Loved One Enroll in a Drug Treatment Center - Identify what your emotional state is in relationship to your loved ones chemical dependency issues. Are you angry? Are you desperate? Are you concerned? (Remember: It is impossible to be angry about something you don’t care about)
- Create a personal intention to help your loved one by having a conversation with them about their chemical dependency issues. (If you don’t do something to help its possible that no one else will either.)
- Investigate drug treatment centers. Identify the facility you would like to enroll your loved one in. Determine that the facility has space for your loved one. Utilize the facility for support with any questions you might have about the pending conversation. (Be sure you intuitively feel the facility representative is honest and that the facility can deliver strong clinical services, including onsite medical detoxification and treatment for co-occurring conditions.)
- Investigate with the drug treatment center any additional resources for support. (Interventionists, therapists, substance abuse counselors, etc.) Whenever possible, a professional intervention can greatly increase the chances of an initial conversation resulting in appropriate placement for chemical dependency treatment. For more information about supportive resources for intervention call 877 415 HOPE.
- Remain calm. Be focused on your intention to help. Any conversation about chemical dependency should come from a place of love and concern.
- Assemble all available family resources. Talk quietly with loved ones about your intention to help the person suffering. Ask them if they are willing to participate in supporting you stage a conversation with the person suffering from chemical dependency. (If they are not willing, ask them to keep the conversation confidential. If you have doubt about their willingness to participate it is wise not to tell them of your intention to begin with.)
- Identify the emotional state of family members and loved ones in regards to the pending conversation. Remind everyone involved that you want to stage a supportive conversation that comes from a place of love and concern.
- Remove the idea of confrontation from the pending conversation. Replace that concept with the idea of presentation.
- Choose an appropriate place to have the conversation. Remember that the stage should be set with the idea of creating a safe environment for talking. The venue should be private and free of distractions. (Set aside 1-2 hours so that the conversation can take its course. Remember to turn off you cell phones and to remove all foreseeable interruptions.)
- Remember that the person suffering from chemical dependency will often deny that a problem exists or become upset by people trying to help them. Be prepared for this and committed to remaining calm during the conversation. (Remember to come from a place of love and concern.)
- Have the conversation. Open with, “We’re here because we love you!” Be clear that you are not angry. Share your solidarity and support for the person suffering. Recall positive memories you have shared your loved one. Talk about how you want the old person back.
- Be sure to use “I” statements. Say “I have observed your struggle lately" or, "I notice that you often appear unhappy.” Talk about how things seem to be upside down for your loved one. Say, “We know a place that can help.”
- If your loved one is willing to go to a facility, finalize the arrangements for their enrollment. (It is important to capitalize on the decision to go. A lot can happen prior to admission to a drug treatment center. Do whatever is necessary to expedite their safe admission; transportation, helping pack them, etc.)
- Do not set any significant consequences if there is a lack of motivation to enter a drug treatment center. Do not get into a power struggle with the person suffering. If they refuse to go, give them some time to think about the love and concern you have expressed.
- Say that you would like to revisit this conversation in a couple days. See whether there are any positive changes or internal shifts that are made during that time by the person suffering from chemical dependency.
- Keep the drug treatment center of your initial choosing apprised of the situation. Ask for support to determine what other corrective measures can be taken, or what other resources are available for support.
ARC can Help during Family Crisis ARC has a variety of clinical resources available for support during times of family crisis derived from drug addiction, substance abuse or co-occurring conditions. It is not necessary for clients to enroll with ARC for loved ones to receive answers to questions they have about what they can do to help during a family crisis. For crisis support call 877 415 HOPE today. Our credentialed staff will conduct a free evaluation or answer any questions you might have.
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