NCJ Number
197044
Date Published
2001
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video provides advice for friends and family of people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Abstract
This video, sponsored by the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, offers advice on how friends and family members can help loved ones in their recovery from drug and alcohol abuse. Ivette Torres, Director of Communications and External Liaison for the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment convened a group of four experts to discuss issues related to treatment and recovery for those addicted to drugs or alcohol. The group members included Linda Wolf Jones, Executive Director of Therapeutic Communities of America; Stacia Murphy, President of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency; Steve Hornberger, Director of Behavioral Health Services for the Child Welfare League of America; and James O’Hair, Spokesperson for the Administrator, Employees, Family Assistance Program at Northrup Grumman Group. The group discussed the important role that family and friends play in the recovery process. They brought up the fact that in order to help a person sustain recovery, friends and family members need to offer emotional support. The group also discussed drug and alcohol addiction in the workplace. Most companies offer on-site support groups to help employees sustain recovery. Additionally, it is important for companies to offer benefits that allow coverage for treatment of addictions. The group also talked about how a person comes to consider asking for help and seeking treatment. Many people do not seek treatment until they “bottom out” and actually feel as if they could die if they do not seek help. Friends and family can help by putting their friendships on the line in order to confront the addict with the fact that they have a problem and need help. However, it is important to realize that no one can save the addict, the addict must save him or herself. In conclusion, the group mentioned that it is important for friends and family to come to terms with their own feelings about the addicted person and the recovery process in order to help the addict sustain recovery.