Watching anyone suffer is difficult. But when that person who is being consumed by addiction is a loved one, the pain will be unbearable. Sadly, most family members are ill-equipped to handle or help their loved ones in their struggle with addiction. They try to offer help and support for the person with addiction only to be treated poorly, ignored, or even verbally abused for trying to convince the person that they need professional help to overcome their addiction. These altercations can erupt into arguments, yelling, and hurtful comments made out of frustration by both the person with an addiction and their loved one. The damage to their relationship can grow into a chasm, with neither party knowing how to begin to bridge the gap.
At The Forest Sober Living, we recognize that addiction affects everyone, not just the person in recovery. Our program is built to support not only residents but also the loved ones who have felt the emotional impact of addiction. While we do not provide formal education or counseling, we help families find trusted resources and support that can guide their healing process. Our goal is to help families move forward, rebuild trust, and feel more confident as they support their loved one’s sobriety.
One of the significant benefits of The Forest residential space is that we have created a controlled environment that eliminates many of the triggers that feed the addiction. However, there needs to be a careful balance of protection from triggers and continued communication and connection with loved ones. We are not trying to isolate the addict from all contact with family and friends. In reality, we want to help strengthen those bonds to ensure the success of their loved one’s sobriety.
We provide weekly check-ins for the family to hear more about the progress, share in this achievement and life-changing experience, and share hope for an addiction-free future. Future goals are discussed, and loved ones can share in the excitement when milestones are achieved. The process is about sharing and rebuilding trust and the relationship that was damaged when addiction took control of a life and tried to force the addict to sever ties with those who could help them take back control of their life.
During the recovery process, your loved one’s life changes in many ways. They are working through feelings of guilt and shame while gaining a complete appreciation for the support they need to succeed in a life of sobriety. For all of this to happen as quickly as possible, The Forest team offers these services:
Knowing that addicts who have the support of family and friends have a much higher success rate than those trying to reach sobriety alone, we work with family members to strengthen the support system for our patients with these critical services:
Family support at The Forest Sober Living focuses on helping loved ones reconnect, rebuild trust, and strengthen relationships. While we do not offer formal classes, we help families access trusted resources and tools that promote healthy communication, time management, conflict resolution, and financial planning. These skills are especially helpful as families begin to rebuild their lives together and create a more stable and supportive home environment.
We also encourage families to set meaningful goals as individuals and as a unit. Working toward those goals together can foster deeper trust, stronger relationships, and a more connected and hopeful future.
Addiction recovery is not a solo event. Your addiction reached far beyond the limits of your mind and body. The pain and harm caused by addiction touched all those who trusted and depended on you. While you might feel alone, ashamed, and guilty, know that the love of your family is a strong bond. And while it might have been damaged, with proper care and nurturing, it can heal and become stronger than ever just as your body will as you progress in your recovery process.
Please reach out to the experts at The Forest to learn more about joining our recovery program and getting help for your entire family to take away the power of addiction and strengthen the bonds of love, trust, and dedication to one another. You and your family deserve the bright future that can only be found through sobriety and healing.
The Forest Sober Living is an upscale sober living environment in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Grounded in 12-step principles and focused on community, accountability, and personal growth, for both men and women.