Dealing with an addiction is difficult business for everyone involved. From the person trying to heal, to the family and friends who are trying to do the same. Therefore, it can be easy to develop resentment towards the person who has put you through such a hardship. Healing process communication through an addiction can be hard sometimes, but you must tread lightly. In the end we all want the same thing: to wash our hands with this disease and get our relationships back in track. But, that starts with healthy and respectful communication.
Healing Process Communication: Alcoholism & Family
Listen and Learn
It can be hard to understand what led to a person becoming an alcoholic. However, there are many factors which lead to alcoholism, some of which are out of your control— and even theirs. Between genetic factors, environmental, and financial, there are plenty of reasons that may lead to their condition. If you don’t take the time to hear your loved one out through this healing process communication, you might not be as well-suited to help them fight through. Listen. Learn. By following these steps, along with others, you might begin to understand.
Predictability, Consistency, Patience, and Empathy
People with alcoholism tend to be unpredictable from time to time. From the way they speak, potential relapses, and the way they’re feeling. After all, they’re healing from a disease. The healing process is never one-track. Therefore as the loved one of someone suffering, it’s important that you provide a sense of predictability and consistency. From your healing process communication, to the way you act, and the ways you show support— having a sense of ‘same-ness’ in your own manner can help to create that for your loved ones.
As we’ve mentioned, there is no one-way street to recovery. There can be relapses, lost relationships, and speed bumps along the way. Patience and empathy, and understanding that you will need those things, is key to the process.
Safe Spaces and Loving Support
Healing process communication comes in many forms. But, most importantly through using safe spaces to share your feelings. Find a mediator; someone without a tie to any single person in the group, and let them lead the conversation. While you absolutely need to exhibit patience, empathy, and the other traits we discussed— this is also a healing period for you too. Healing starts with putting your emotions out there and making changes. However, it’s important that you do so in the right place and time.
Lastly, we encourage you to show your loving support and see the positive in these moments. You are going through a tough time as a community. However, your loved one is making an effort to change. Healing process communication, and even the healing part, can be difficult. However, if you look at the effort behind it— you might just feel a little better.