It’s never easy to admit a loved one into a treatment center. Chances are you’ve been taking care of him or her on your own for awhile, and now you’re wondering what to do right after the start of a treatment program.
In a previous article, “How does addiction treatment work at treatment centers?” we touched upon how your loved one will be treated and your role in the process. But what happens when he or she is first admitted? What should you do?
This is a critical question to answer because your role as caregiver doesn’t end upon admission. Here are three things you must do:
1. Look after yourself
Join a gym. Take walks in the morning. Network with new people. Stay active. These are not selfish acts. These suggestions are ways to help you stay mentally healthy, which will allow you to better assist your loved one.
2. Sign your family up for counseling
Drug addiction can take a toll on entire families. It can cause them to feel stressed, angry, sad and guilty, all of which can be difficult to overcome without the help of a professional.
3. Keep the lines of communication open
Keep in contact with the treatment center, and ask them to regularly inform you about the progress your loved one is making. They may even suggest creating a log so you can keep track yourself, which you could then bring to regularly scheduled meetings or sessions between you, your loved one and the provider.
If you know someone who is dealing with addiction, call Fairwinds Treatment Center. Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of addiction by using a Dual Diagnosis approach. In using this tactic, Dr. El-Yousef and his staff of full-time psychiatrists, nursing professionals and licensed therapists work to first diagnose the underlying reason behind a person’s disorder. Upon understanding the cause, they can then treat the condition and its symptoms.
