Seeking Treatment for a Loved One

The importance of family during and after treatment

Eating disorders and addictions affect the entire family unit, not just the individual. At Fairwinds Treatment Center, we understand the helplessness and frustration that comes with having a daughter or son, sister or brother, mother or father struggle with these diseases. That’s why family involvement plays an integral part in the treatment plan and the healing process. As a family, you can expect to participate in family and marital therapy, regular visits and consultations with our treatment team, education to help you understand the treatment, and be included in outpatient follow-up care. Our experienced and compassionate staff will work with your unique family dynamic to ensure a lasting and sustainable recovery

Family Involvement

Family therapy is just one component of the comprehensive eating disorders and/or substance abuse treatment plan at Fairwinds Treatment Center. The Fairwinds philosophy of treatment stresses the importance of family support and psychological rehabilitation so that every client can achieve self-realization, a sense of personal responsibility and a renewed self-worth. Our treatment facility’s program stresses growth and development in the areas of family, social, academic, vocational and spiritual life. When treatment is approached from this perspective, the foundation for a meaningful and productive new way of living is established.

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At Fairwinds Treatment Center in Clearwater, Florida, we provide a unique and effective treatment approach that combines psychological and emotional support with nutritional guidance. Our medical professionals know that every patient is fighting their own intensely personal battle. With that in mind, our Eating Disorder programs are tailored to the needs of each individual and their family. We operate a small, comfortable residential treatment center where you or your loved one can take the time necessary to truly heal.

Family Visits

Fairwinds uses individual, group and family therapy incorporated in the treatment plan. The support of family and friends is crucial to a client’s recovery process. Family is encouraged to be a part of the treatment process and client’s are more likely to succeed with their encouragement.

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As a parent of a high schooler, it's important to watch for signs of drug addiction.

Recovery and Family

Alcoholism Tips for Spouses

While almost everyone knows what alcoholism is, it’s harder to discern what it looks like in our day-to-day lives – particularly if it affects someone close to us. While drinking alcohol is common and socially acceptable, there is a line that separates occasional use from addiction, and recognizing when someone we love goes over that line is essential to providing the care and treatment that will get them back on track to a healthy life.

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Alcoholism Tips for Family

Alcoholism is a frightening disease, not only because of the havoc it can wreak on the lives of victims and their loved ones, but also because of how easily it can creep up on us. While we can warn our kids about the dangers of smoking cigarettes or using narcotics, it’s hard to do the same for drinking simply because it’s far more common, regardless of age.

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Drug Addiction Tips for Parents

Although there is a tremendous amount of stigma surrounding drug addiction, as a parent, it’s important for you to put this aside and understand that your child is battling a serious illness. As wounded as you may be by your child’s actions in pursuit of their next fix, now is not the time for judgment or chastisement.

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Drug Addiction Tips for Spouses

If your significant other is battling drug addiction, you’ve already seen a side of him or her that you never envisioned. Perhaps, your loved one has deceived you repeatedly or you have felt your heart break time and again as your husband or wife continues to make choices that threaten your family.

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Drug Addiction Warning Signs

Addiction, or chemical dependency, is a medically diagnosable brain and behavioral disease that is chronic, progressive and potentially fatal. But like many other diseases, drug and alcohol dependency can be successfully treated. There are three aspects of addiction:

Biological – Addiction tends to run in families. If a parent or other close relative has struggled with chemical dependency, you are at greater risk because you may have inherited this family trait.
Psychological – Depending on chemicals, such as alcohol and drugs to cope with problems and stress, contributes to addiction, as does having certain personality traits, such as impulsiveness, self-destructiveness, or the need for high levels of excitement.
Social/Cultural – Easy access to alcohol and drugs, peer pressure, or relationships in which a friend or loved one uses alcohol or drugs can all contribute to addiction.

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Warning Signs of Anorexia

Since more than 80% of American women are either dieting or have dieted in the past, it is often difficult for a relative or friend to recognize the early symptoms of anorexia nervosa. If not treated this disorder can be very dangerous. The following are symptoms and physical traits that an eating disorder exists.

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Warning Signs of Bulimia

Unlike anorexia nervosa whose symptoms are usually difficult to hide, bulimia can be harder to recognize, and therefore this eating disorder can go without detection and treatment for decades. Many individuals with bulimia are very secretive about their behaviors, and family members may be unaware that the eating disorder exists. Also, the severity of this eating disorder ranges from very infrequent to a constant preoccupation with eating and purging. Thus, the interruption in daily function may be minimal to catastrophic.

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