Should I Tell My Family I Am Considering Rehab?

If your family is aware of your drug and/or alcohol problem and they worry, telling them you are considering rehab may make them incredibly relieved and happy. But, that doesn’t mean telling your family is an easy decision. It actually takes a lot of courage.

Coming to grips with your addiction and looking at your substance use disorder honestly involves shedding levels of denial. Sharing this vulnerable version of yourself is hard, especially when you fear that your family will take an “I told you so” attitude.

What you need to do is truly consider who you think of as family. Likely, the people closest to you will support this decision and be overjoyed to help in any way they can. You then need to think about the role they can play while you are in treatment.

However, remember that toxic family doesn’t need you to share with them. Your health and recovery are the most important things.

It’s wonderful that you are considering rehab. For expert help, contact our caring specialists. We can answer questions, recommend rehab centers, and connect you with resources. Family is one component of the treatment process, but finding a facility really is step one. Give us a call at 800-256-3490 and get started.

Who Counts as Family?

Share your decision with family members that you have a strong emotional bond with.

It seems silly, but the first thing you need to figure out is what counts as family. People tend to default to blood relatives, but you know that the most people in your life often aren’t related to you.

Family simply lacks a single, clear definition that is applicable in all situations. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration claims cultures and belief systems are responsible for defining family. The idea of family changes when these things change. In the case of your rehab decision, the cultural shift of being in treatment may even make you change your definition of family.

The one commonality among all people defined as family is the unending emotional bond. When you look for family, look for the people who remain emotionally close to you in all situations and across all distances. True family will always be willing to contribute to the dynamic of the family you have created, and this means they probably want to talk with you about rehab and support you.

So, using the flexible definition of family, you don’t necessarily need to talk to your distant grandma about rehab if the pair of you aren’t close, but you should talk with the best friend that you talk to everyday. Choose your family and think about the role they could actually play in your rehab.

Family Therapy

Expect your treatment program to involve therapy, specifically family therapy.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, reminds readers that family therapy deal with “not only substance use problems but other co-occurring problems as well, such as conduct disorders, child mistreatment, depression, family conflict, and unemployment.”

For family therapists, the family system is central to the functioning of every member’s life. When the family dynamic is damaged, the people in the family will be damaged. And, when one family member changes, all of the family members change.

Because of this, therapy should address the family unit as a whole and that means involving family. For everyone’s benefit, you should let people know you are going to rehab so that they can benefit from the process and support you.

Toxic Relatives

However, there are family members that you should not share the news with: people who will undermine your choice and your recovery.

Family members who encourage you to use, have their own substance abuse disorder, or don’t believe in rehab don’t need to be included in your thought process. Yes, family can be a crucial support in your recovery, but they can also sap you of motivation and cause relapse.

No matter how you define family, only share this important decision making process with people who can play a positive role in your considerations.

Every situation is unique and you will know what choice will work best in your circumstances. But, don’t let embarrassment of shame cause you to hide what you are going through. For expert help making your decision, contact us and learn about rehab programs that can help you make the right decision. Call 800-256-3490 today.

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