California, 25.09.08 : Axis Residential Treatment Center, Indian Wells, had conducted a workshop on the role of the friends and family members of a patient, who is undergoing the rehab program.The participants, mainly the close friends and family members of the resident patients of Axis Residential, shared their experiences and discussed the problems they face.
When a person goes into rehab, it is understandable that his family will want him to recover quickly. But the family may not know how to cope or provide support when the treatment is complete. It was the purpose of Axis Residential Treatment Center to help out and counsel these people, so they can tackle the delicate situation they face, in a better way.
All the speakers agreed to the fact that the counseling for the family is also important; it's a good way to help everyone cope with the stress and guilt they may experience. It is not uncommon for family members to harbor resentment and anger over the past, or about the cost of rehab, but these feelings can be overcome through communication, bonding exercises, and staying healthy.
The patient may also experience guilt and anger because of the pain he feels he has imposed on the people he loves. Family members must be prepared to offer understanding and words of support, to help their loved one cope with the mental anguish of his addiction, because guilt and anger can often be enough to trigger a relapse.
It was commonly agreed that eating healthy and getting plenty of rest is vital for everyone, because family members will feel stressed and may also find their own sleeping and eating patterns are affected. A family that is irritable due to the stress of seeing a loved one suffering, can offer no effective support.
