Learn what to look for
Long-term substance misuse fundamentally changes people’s behavior, which can create enormous tension among their friends and family. Because families are systems, when one person’s behavior shifts, it causes a domino effect that changes their relationships to everyone around them. Often, family members and friends will develop unique dysfunctions in response to a loved one’s addiction. That’s why it’s vital for everyone involved to learn to cope and assist their family member in making positive changes.
Learning and Growing as a Family
No matter how emotionally tough you believe you are, no one innately has the appropriate resources to help deal with the multitude of issues that accompany a loved one’s substance misuse and mental health problems.
Education is often the most powerful tool to get all loved ones involved in the recovery process and motivate someone you care about to pursue long-term sobriety. It helps everyone understand and come to terms with how the addiction has impacted them, and provides the tools they need to help their loved one heal and move on.
Expanding your knowledge base provides you with a thorough appreciation of the complex disease of addiction, from its physical, mental and spiritual effects to how to recognize the behavioral and emotional warning signs that someone you care about may be struggling with an addiction. You can also learn how to develop healthier coping strategies and how and where to set protective boundaries.
Learning More About the Root of Addiction
Contrary to popular belief, addiction is not the result of a moral failing. Nobody begins drinking or using drugs with the aim of losing control of their lives and the things they love. A person with a substance use disorder has a disease that makes it increasingly difficult to control their use of a specific substance.
They continue using drugs or alcohol or engaging in risky behavior, even when there is clear evidence that they are harming themselves and those around them. Powerful cravings also characterize addiction. Someone in the grip of drug or alcohol addiction may not be able to stop using on their own, despite expressing a motivation to quit.
R&A Therapeutic Partners offers workshops to help people understand more about a variety of topics such as substance misuse prevention, mental health, risk-taking behaviors, self-esteem, social media and personal enrichment. Our compassionate, qualified therapists, Raymond Estefania and Ana Moreno, use their combined 35 years of experience to tailor presentations for high school students, parents, religious leaders, university staff, local government, educators and other community organizations.
Compassionate Expertise
At R&A Therapeutic Partners, we believe education is the best way to learn the warning signs of mental illnesses such as depression and co-occurring disorders like drug and alcohol abuse. By becoming aware of these red flags, you can learn to recognize them in yourself and others and take positive steps to treat them before they spiral out of control.
Raymond Estefania and Ana Moreno use their 35 years of combined experience to provide coaching and education that helps improve people’s mental health and quality of life. We are available whether you need to schedule a workshop for your church, school or other community organization.
