Family FAQs

1) What are the signs of alcohol and drug addiction?
Obvious signs often accompany severe addiction. These include behavioral changes like secrecy and withdrawal, neglecting responsibilities, and shifts in social circles. However, especially among teens, it is important to understand that normal adolescence may include changing friends or seeking more privacy.

At all ages, physical indicators can include weight loss, changes in sleep patterns, and poor personal hygiene. Emotional symptoms might involve mood swings, irritability, and depression. Financial problems and unusual spending can also be signs.

If you see worrisome changes in a family member or friend, an honest expression of concern can be the best first step, if your relationship is strong. But if addiction is a problem, this can meet resistance.

2) How can I encourage my loved one to seek outpatient treatment?

Approach them with empathy and express your concerns using "I" statements. Share specific examples of behavior that worry you and offer to help find local outpatient treatment options. Avoid confrontations during a crisis. Providing information about nearby programs and offering support through the process can make a significant difference.

3) What should I do if my loved one refuses outpatient addiction treatment?

Remain patient and supportive if your loved one refuses help. Keep expressing concerns calmly and set healthy boundaries. Consider seeking advice from addiction professionals. Joining support groups for families can provide strategies and emotional support. Remember, people change when they are ready, not when they are forced. And in the meantime, remember that you will likely need support. Be sure you get what you need; as we are told on airline flights: “In am emergency, put on your own oxygen mask first.” You cannot help someone else if you are not as healthy as possible yourself.

4) How can I support my loved one during their outpatient addiction treatment?

Encourage participation in the treatment program and respect their need for space. Attend family therapy sessions if offered, and educate yourself about the outpatient addiction treatment process. Celebrate small victories and provide positive reinforcement. Being patient and supportive can significantly aid recovery.

5) What types of outpatient addiction treatments are available?

Outpatient addiction treatments include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy,  and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Programs like Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) provide structured support while allowing patients to maintain daily responsibilities. Partial Hospitalization programs (PHP) allow patients to remain in their own homes but typically require at least 30 hours of attendance weekly, so schedules for work, school, or family duties are significantly affected.

6) How long does outpatient addiction treatment typically take?

The duration varies depending on the individual's needs and the severity of the addiction. Detox may take a few days to a week, while outpatient programs often last several months. Long-term follow-up care is crucial to prevent relapse, ensuring sustained recovery and support

7) Should I bail my child out of jail? They will only release him/her into my custody.

This question is really about whether or not you see yourself as an "enabler." Depending on the family situation, for some families bailing their child out of jail is just teaching the child that his behavior will yield no consequence and is tolerated by his parents. For other families, bailing the child out shows the child respect and love, that when one mistake has been made, one can learn from it and move on. Either way, a more comprehensive discussion should take place with a licensed professional to help the family determine the best course of action.

8) Does he/she really need drug treatment?

There are several different points of view regarding this question. One common view puts forward the idea that if a parent feels the need to ask the question, then there is enough concern to warrant further investigation. Drug treatment consists of a range of interventions. Prevention/education programs are generally found in schools. Outpatient counseling with a focus on possible drug/alcohol problems is found at clinics and hospitals, and with private practitioners. Intensive outpatient treatment is commonly found in clinics and hospitals involving group, individual and family counseling along with attendance in 12 step programs (AA/NA). Day or evening programs, which are generally limited to 2 weeks, are commonly found at hospital locations. Finally, residential programs are substantially separate facilities. This continuum of care is the spectrum of drug treatment. Where an individual fits on the continuum is determined by an assessment or evaluation. The assessment is the first step if you ask this question.

9) My child uses drugs, not alcohol. Why does he/she need to go to AA?

Frequently, Alcoholics Anonymous is recommended as a 12-step program of choice for individuals with both drug and alcohol problems. In contrast with Narcotics Anonymous, AA meetings are generally more available - there are more meetings in the community, and it seems there are more and more young people who have problematic drug and alcohol problems in combination. Both AA and NA are based on the same 12 - step principal, so whichever meeting one participates in can be helpful.