Guidance for Families & Loved Ones
Supporting a loved one through treatment and recovery can be challenging, but you’re not alone.
How to Talk to a Loved One about Treatment
Starting the conversation about treatment can feel overwhelming, but your support can make a meaningful difference. Here are some ways to approach it:
- Plan a thoughtful time and place: Choose a calm, private setting with minimal distractions.
- Lead with compassion: Express concern with empathy and without judgment. Use “I” statements (“I’m worried about you”) rather than “you” statements.
- Share observations, not accusations: Point to specific behaviors you’ve noticed, rather than making generalizations.
- Offer information, not ultimatums: Share what you’ve learned about treatment options and resources, but avoid pressure or threats.
- Listen openly: Give your loved one space to share their perspective and feelings.
- Stay patient: Change takes time, and one conversation may not be enough.
- Encourage support: Suggest talking to a professional, attending a support group, or reaching out to The Meadows admissions team for guidance.
Understanding Addiction and Recovery
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.
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.
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.
What Treatment Looks Like
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.
Family Support & Boundaries
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.
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.
Life After Treatment
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.
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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.
We also offer relationship workshops through Rio Retreat Center at The Meadows that focus on strengthening your marriage, family relationships, and friendships.
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 our case management services and a range of alumni services designed to support long-term recovery and ongoing support. Our alumni program features regular 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 have made in treatment and encourages them at every stage of recovery.
Rio Retreat Workshops for Families and Loved Ones
Our Rio Retreat Center at The Meadows offers intensive workshops designed to support both individuals in recovery and their families. These programs provide a safe and focused environment for addressing relationship challenges, enhancing communication, and fostering more balanced patterns moving forward.
Workshops for Families and Loved Ones Include:
Family Matters
A family-focused workshop that helps loved ones build healthier communication, understanding, and connection.
Couples Repair & Reset
For partners seeking to rebuild trust, repair broken bonds, and strengthen their relationship.
Healing Intimate Treason
Designed for partners of those struggling with sex addiction, this workshop provides space to heal from betrayal and reclaim a sense of safety and self.
Love Addiction/Love Avoidance
Explores relationship dynamics that often create cycles of disconnection and provides tools for healthier, more balanced connections.
In addition to these family-centered options, Rio Retreat also offers a wide range of workshops focused on trauma healing, personal growth, and professional development.
Explore More Resources for Families
Our Resource Library offers articles, videos, and guides created specifically for families and loved ones. You’ll find tools on communication, boundaries, self-care, and navigating life during and after treatment.