I have an uncle who is going to undergo rehabilitation to get himself treated for his drug addiction. The thing is, his family isn’t being supportive. Instead of being happy that he’s finally turning his life around, they’re complaining about the rehab fees. I was just wondering if it would be really better for him if his family is there to encourage and support him.
Will the support of friends and family for someone undergoing addiction treatment really make a difference?
09
Mar
divya 3xb
March 9, 2010 at 5:54 pm
I think family and friends are really important for someone who is going through addiction treatment. The love, support, and understanding of those dear to the patient will surely help him in dealing with the whole predicament. Moreover, the involvement of family and friends in the program will be able to help extend its benefits, as well as strengthen family ties. Family and friends can act as a network of support for when the patient goes out of rehab and help him so that he won’t relapse. As for your uncle’s family, maybe you could enlighten them about this. I do hope that your uncle gets treated soon. I’ll keep him in my prayers.
gorilla
March 9, 2010 at 6:00 pm
Sure it does..
straightalks
March 9, 2010 at 6:14 pm
YES. That’s everyone’s first source of reinforcements are your family and friends.
He doesn’t have to rely on family financial support, there’s programs that the government offers.
Shannon B
March 9, 2010 at 7:10 pm
It definitely makes a difference for an addict whether or not their family is willing to support them when they are trying to turn themselves around. A lot of addicts will constantly deny they need help but an addict that truly wants to turn around is the one who seeks help if their family is not willing to emotionally support them it can be a devastating blow to their recovery if they are yiping about the costs of rehab just remind them how much a funeral would cost them out of pocket and out of their hearts knowing they could have helped
Barb Outhere
March 9, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Yes, family support is important, but even more important is his decision to make it work, and that it is going to be hard work.
He has taken the first step, and its going to be an uphill struggle. It will be harder without their support. Perhaps you can ask them why they don’t offer their support?
It could be that this isn’t the first time he’s tried to give up, or maybe they feel that they shouldn’t have to pay for his problems. They didn’t choose to do drugs, but they are going to be out of pocket because of it. Perhaps he has cost them in the past, bailing him out of self inflicted problems, so this is just another one? Perhaps it causes them to do without, causing them hardship, in order to support him?
Don’t blame them until you have all the answers, and even then its still their choice. They are supporting him, even if its grudingly.
Straightdowntheline
March 9, 2010 at 8:07 pm
This is a classic case of the ‘Drama Triangle’ – it is almost like your Uncle’s family ‘need’ him to be an addict so that they can play Rescuer. The whole set up is pretty noxious and unhealthy. Your Uncle does need support but he is very unlikely to get the right kind of support from his family. They are almost guaranteed to sabotage your Uncles attempt to overcome his drug dependence. I’m afraid i wouldn’t be too optimistic about the outcome for this family.
jill48
March 9, 2010 at 8:44 pm
Trust me when I say that the support of loved ones is the most important factor in whether or not a person can overcome addiction.
Ash :D
March 9, 2010 at 9:43 pm
Both having support of your family and being in rehab are both good things to help you uncle on his way to becoming drug free!
< -(yes i know that sounded really corny but w/e) Sure, the fee may cost a lot, but paying fees is way better than watching a family member slowly kill themself in front of you and keeping him from reaching his goal of becoming drug free. You should talk to your parents and see why they think that not paying the fees and allowing him to undergo a greater chance of not being able to quit drugs is better than watching him become healthier and happier in his life. You might get them thinking ( i am NOT saying your parents and family don’t think) and maybe they’ll change their attitude about your uncle going to rehab. It will take a while because overcoming an addiction isn’t easy and it may be expensive but it’ll be totally worth it in the end 
Good Luck!
Mona Lisa
March 9, 2010 at 10:33 pm
Yes, it would be better, absolutely! But it sounds like it isn’t going to be that way, so that’s not an option.
Believe me, many addicts don’t have family support when they get clean. In this case, the NA or AA support group becomes even more important.
When I got sober (I’m a recovering alcoholic–took my last drink 9 years ago today) my family was also not supportive. They did not want to believe I was an alcoholic! As if anyone would make up such a thing about themselves! But I got what I needed in AA . . . . and today I pass what I’ve learned along to the next guy.