Guidance for Families & Loved Ones

Supporting a loved one through treatment and recovery can be challenging, but you’re not alone.

Navigating Addiction in the Family: Resources for Recovery

The resources on this page offer guidance to those who have a loved one in addiction treatment and recovery. Explore key topics like setting healthy boundaries, understanding the treatment process, and navigating life after rehab.

Understanding Addiction: How It Develops and Why It’s So Complex

Addiction doesn’t happen overnight. This video explores the factors that contribute to substance use disorders and the journey into addiction, helping to foster greater understanding and compassion.

Prioritizing Self-Care in the Recovery Journey

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Whether you’re in recovery or supporting someone who is, this video shares ways to care for yourself and build resilience.

What Happens in Treatment? A Look at Daily Activities

Treatment includes a variety of experiences designed to promote healing, from therapy sessions to wellness activities. This video offers an overview of what to expect during a typical day in treatment.

Length of Stay of Treatment

Every recovery journey is different, and the length of stay in treatment can vary. This video explains the factors that influence treatment duration and why time in care matters for long-term success.

Life After Treatment: The Importance of Aftercare

Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Aftercare provides ongoing support to help individuals maintain progress and navigate life beyond treatment. Learn why aftercare matters and what options are available.

Why Group Therapy Works: The Power of Shared Healing

Group therapy is a key part of the recovery process, offering connection, support, and shared wisdom. Learn why this setting is so effective and how it can help individuals on their healing journey.

Family Week: What to Expect and How It Helps

Family Week is a key part of the healing process, offering education, support, and connection. Learn what Family Week is (and isn’t) and how it can benefit both patients and their loved ones.

Rethinking the Word Addict

The word addict carries many meanings and misconceptions. This video challenges common perceptions and explores how language impacts recovery and stigma.

The Talking Boundary: What It Is and Why It Matters

Communication in recovery is essential, but setting boundaries around what is shared—and with whom—is just as important. This video explains the talking boundary and how it supports healing for everyone involved.

Helping vs. Enabling: How to Set Healthy Boundaries

Supporting a loved one in recovery is important, but where’s the line between helping and enabling? This video explores how to establish healthy boundaries while still offering meaningful support.

Sober vs. Recovery: Understanding the Difference

The words sober and recovery are often used interchangeably, but they can mean different things to different people. This video explores the many meanings of these terms and how they shape the journey of healing and personal growth.

Supporting Your Loved One in Treatment: What to Expect

When a loved one enters treatment, it can bring a mix of emotions and uncertainty. This video offers guidance on what to expect during their recovery journey and how you can support them.

Frequently Asked Questions From Family Members

Does the Meadows offer support for family members?

Yes! During inpatient treatment, families can participate in Family Week, receive weekly updates, attend optional support groups, and access educational resources on psychological topics.

In outpatient treatment, families have more frequent contact and can join weekly family groups to help establish boundaries and promote healing. Both options emphasize improving communication and supporting lasting recovery.

What should I expect during Family Week?

Family Week is a workshop led by trained family counselors designed to help families grow together in support of recovery. It is not just family therapy. You’ll learn about:

The nature of your loved one’s disorder (addiction, trauma, eating disorders, etc.)
How family systems and communication patterns play a role
Setting and respecting healthy boundaries
Tools for better communication
Understanding the process of healing and recovery

You’ll receive planning support before you arrive. To learn more, view this detailed video from the Meadows Behavioral Care team on what to expect during Family Week.

Does the Meadows offer family therapy in their addiction recovery programs?

Yes, we incorporate Internal Family Systems therapy into our programs. IFS helps patients explore their internal dynamics and how family relationships have shaped their emotional patterns.

How will my loved one be supported after they complete treatment?

After completing treatment, your loved one will have access to a range of alumni services designed to support long-term recovery. These include regular alumni meetups, workshops, and virtual support groups that help them stay connected and grow.

The Meadows also offers a dedicated app for alumni, providing easy access to resources, recovery tools, and community support no matter where they are. This helps reinforce the progress they made in treatment and encourages every stage of recovery.