May 15 is designated as the International Day of Families. In 1993, the General Assembly of the United Nations set this day to focus on the importance of families worldwide.
For those in recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol, the family can factor into recovery in many ways. If you have strong family ties, be sure to reach out to them as a regular part of your recovery process. Keep in mind that “family” is a word with more than one definition.
Putting Together Your Own Family
Society conditions us to believe that only people related by blood or adoption can be considered family. This idea works for those surrounded by supportive parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members. However, this concept leaves many people out in the cold when they do not have the luxury of a photo album full of a family upon whom they can rely.
Fortunately, it is up to us to define who our families include. Close friends can feel like siblings. Those from an older generation can feel like pseudo parents or grandparents. The children of friends can make you feel like an aunt or uncle. Redefine who your family is by considering who fills specific roles without the benefit of shared lineage.
Ways to Determine Who Is Part of Your Family
You may not be sure who among those in your life you can think of as part of the family tree you design for yourself. If so, remind yourself that family is:
- Who you call in the middle of the night when you’re in trouble
- Who breaks out the pom-poms to cheer you on when you’re struggling
- Who reminds you that all bad days and moods will end
- The people you cook for and wash the dishes together afterward
- Those with whom you celebrate holidays
- Those who don’t believe true loyalty lies only in bloodlines
- Those who make you feel safe
The Detox Center of Colorado understands that people do not recover in a vacuum. Reliance on the family to help hold your hand during the difficult days of recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol proves vital. We can help you determine who in your life is a positive influence. When you leave our Denver area detoxification program, you will be ready to start your life over. We offer medically supervised treatment in a homelike environment. Call us today at (303) 952-5035 to discuss how we can help you or a loved one begin to heal.
