Struggling with an alcohol or drug addiction can be heartbreaking, for both the individual battling the addiction and close family members. Addiction is a complex disease, and overcoming it requires more than just willpower – it takes a strong support system, professional help, and patience.
At The Bardo, we understand that family involvement can make a big difference in long-term recovery. If someone you love is going through rehab or considering treatment, here’s how you can offer meaningful support while also taking care of yourself.
Understanding addiction and recovery
It’s important to remember that addiction isn’t a choice, or a moral failing. It’s a chronic condition that affects the brain, making it difficult for a person to stop using substances despite the negative consequences. Recovery is an ongoing journey that requires emotional, psychological, and physical healing.
Rehab gives individuals the structure and professional guidance necessary to navigate this process, but a strong family support system really helps to reinforce the lessons learned in treatment. At The Bardo, we offer drug and alcohol rehab services in Brisbane/Gold Coast, ensuring that individuals receive tailored, evidence-based care in a private, home-style retreat environment.
How can families provide support during drug and alcohol rehab?
Be open to communication: Recovery can feel quite isolating, so maintaining an open line of communication is so important. Try to listen without judgment and create a safe space where your loved one feels comfortable discussing their struggles and progress. At The Bardo, we allow guests to bring their mobile phones and laptops to stay connected to family and supportive friends.
Learn about addiction: Understanding addiction helps remove stigma and misconceptions. You can learn about withdrawal symptoms, triggers, and relapse prevention to gain insight into what your loved one is going through.
Set healthy boundaries: Throughout drug and alcohol addiction it’s essential to support your loved one without enabling destructive behaviours. Setting boundaries, such as refusing to provide money for substances, helps reinforce accountability and personal responsibility.
Be emotionally available: Recovery is extremely challenging, and setbacks often happen. Offering encouragement, celebrating milestones, and reminding your loved one that they’re not alone can make a world of difference.
What are some challenges families can face?
Being there for someone as they journey through drug or alcohol rehab isn’t always easy. At times you may feel frustrated, exhausted or even resentful. Some common challenges family members face include:
- Fear of relapse: The possibility of a relapse can be overwhelming, but it’s important to approach setbacks with patience and encouragement rather than blame.
- Emotional strain: Addiction affects the entire family, not just the individual struggling with it. Feelings of guilt, anger, and sadness are normal.
- Trust issues: Addiction can damage relationships, and rebuilding trust takes time. Be patient and focus on progress rather than perfection.
As a leading alcohol addiction retreat and drug rehab on the Gold Coast and the Brisbane area, we never underestimate the level of complexities related to addiction and offer a structured yet flexible approach to recovery. At The Bardo, our holistic therapies, including counselling, mindfulness, and personalised programs, provide a strong foundation for lasting change.
Self-care for families
Whenever you find yourself in a situation where you’re supporting others, it’s important that you don’t forget to look after yourself. Burnout and emotional exhaustion can make it difficult to be there for your loved one. Here are some self-care tips:
- Set realistic expectations and accept that recovery is a journey.
- Take time for yourself – engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
- Maintain healthy boundaries to avoid emotional exhaustion.
Why choose The Bardo for drug and alcohol rehab Gold Coast/Brisbane?
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, The Bardo, located between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, offers private, confidential, and tailored rehabilitation programs. Our evidence-based treatments focus on mental health, drug and alcohol dependency, and behavioural addiction issues.
At The Bardo, we believe that recovery isn’t just about quitting substances. It’s about healing the mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we offer:
- One-on-one therapy: No group work, ensuring personalised care.
- Holistic treatments: Including meditation, nutrition, personal training, and expressive art therapy.
- A private, home-style retreat: Providing a sanctuary for healing, away from external pressures.
- Aftercare support: To help individuals maintain their progress beyond rehab.
The importance of family support during drug and alcohol rehab
Family support plays a big role in a successful recovery journey. By educating yourself, setting boundaries, and being emotionally present, you can make a profound impact on your loved one’s healing process.
If you or someone you care about needs professional help, The Bardo is here to help. We offer confidential, evidence-based rehab services designed to support long-term recovery in a peaceful and private environment.
Call our team today on 0411 071 146 to discuss how we can tailor a rehab program to your specific needs.
