Family Addiction Support is Needed Now More Than Ever

Covid-19 created the perfect storm to unravel an overworked system trying to deal with already potent opioid crisis. While gains have been made in the last five years, they were all erased in 2020 with the arrival of Coronavirus from China. In one moment, isolation and quarantining became the new norm, which is the last thing a recovering addict needs to maintain their sobriety. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, over 81,000 American lives were lost to drug overdose in a 12-month period that is inclusive of the Covid-19 pandemic: a 15% increase over 2019.

During this time, access to 12-step support  (including Al-ANON or ALA-Teen) groups were shut down for in-person meetings. Video conferencing became mainstream. However, families that relied on this in-person support were left by the wayside. Typically, support is challenging  to accomplish in text messages, social media chats and the like. At the same time, technology was new to so many not working in corporate America and it took some time to work out all the challenges. While these efforts to stay connected were laudable, many remained isolated and felt the fabric of their families weaken without help and guidance.

Family Support Remains Essential for Recovery

One of the cornerstones of Simple Path Recovery has always been family therapy for clients and their families. In family therapy, we teach teamwork, collaboration, and the belief that the family unit can and should operate well for everyone’s benefit. Family therapy highlights how essential clear messaging is and relates potential pitfalls. In this approach, families and friends learn what influences their conduct and how certain actions can affect the whole family. When one member is struggling with a problem, they may be shocked to uncover out how their individual battle has actually affected everyone that is close to them. Consequently, the family can discover healthier approaches to care for that person. Simple Path and their team of addiction professionals are excited to embark on this new chapter where technology will help them to support families more effectively.

For more information regarding monthly family support group via Zoom, please contact Colt Crowser – Alumni Director at 954-790-8178 or Colt@SimplePathRecovery.Net.