One of the most important facts about addiction is that it is a family disease, which affects not only the addict, but his or her entire family. Similarly, “recovery from addiction is a family affair,” according to Misshay White, a counselor who leads New Life's family support group. Education is the primary focus of the group, White says – giving family members the information they need to better understand what is going on with the addict or alcoholic, and nd out how they can help themselves. A mutual healing process
New Life's family support group gives family and friends an opportunity to look at their involvement in the cycle of enabling and codependency that accompanies addiction, learn how to take care of themselves, and also ways to support the client. Experts on addiction say the support that a family provides to a client recovering from addiction is crucial to that client's success.
“We let the client know, ‘It will work better for you and your family if you heal at the same time.’” – Misshay White, family group counselor, New Life
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