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The power and strength of the family to motivate generational change through their own changed behaviour is unparalleled.
Witnessing someone we care about engaged in active addiction is a traumatic process. When trauma becomes chronic, we forfeit our own values, needs, emotional experiences and guiding principles in an effort to maintain order and balance in the family system. This reorganization around the crisis of active addiction is known as survival mode, and these prolonged periods of neglect strip us of our sense of self, significantly diminish self-worth, promote deep exhaustion and burnout, and contribute to a host of stress related disorders that leave us debilitated.
Witnessing active addiction is a source of chronic stress and emotional dysregulation that impacts neurophysiology and impairs functioning over time. For some, the adrenal stress response has been activated as far back as childhood and even in utero.
This level of cumulative, chronic stress dysregulates the nervous system and directly affects our ability to communicate effectively, set healthy boundaries, acknowledge and care for our own needs, and contributes to significant physical symptoms and stress related disorders. Without healing and awareness, the coping strategies that develop to survive the trauma of witnessing active addiction can inadvertently contribute to the progression of the illness for those we love.
At Legacy West, we understand that personal health does not have to be contingent on the wellness of those we love, and our ability to care for others is directly related to the capacity in which we are able to care for ourselves.
A diagnosis of substance use disorder for someone we love does not require that we abandon all hope for a balanced life of mental, emotional and physical wellness for ourselves. In fact, it is only through the identification and expression of our own needs, the recognition and communication of our own emotional experience, and the realignment of our behaviours with our values and guiding principles that families can begin to support the treatment and recovery process of their loved ones.
For this reason, the success of our services is not solely determined by treatment engagement or recovery outcomes of those with substance use disorder. Instead, participants are supported to choose healthy recovery-oriented behaviours, regardless of the decisions made by those experiencing addiction, that will transform the family system today and for the next generation.
Ultimately, the shift from an external focus on controlling others to an internal focus on healing ourselves promotes increased life enjoyment and happiness for participants, a renewed sense of self, decreased physical and mental complaints, and deeper intimacy and connection in all of our important relationships.
Healing from the trauma of witnessing addiction starts with establishing and maintaining safety. Substance use disorder in the family often destroys trust. From initial contact to Continuing Care, our top priority is rebuilding trust and creating a safe environment. This helps family members stabilize their nervous system, providing a foundation for processing experiences and healing.
Our program is delivered with invitation and trauma sensitivity. We listen, encourage exploration, connect you with others, and provide ongoing care for growth. Self-compassion is emphasized, helping you understand that reactions to addiction crises are natural threat responses.
Isolation exacerbates substance use disorder, so FamiliesFIRST is community-focused, fostering connection through shared experiences. Peer support grows as participants complete programs and join Continuing Care, forming support networks vital for a recovery-oriented lifestyle.
The FamiliesFIRST program, developed by experts in family systems, trauma, and addiction, uses evidence-based methods. Our experienced team combines professional knowledge and personal recovery experience to guide education and healing, offering valuable insights and resources.
Families prioritizing their recovery motivate those with substance use disorder. Recognizing the impact of witnessing addiction helps realign with core values. We believe everyone deserves care and support, and healing within ourselves enables us to offer care to loved ones.
Not sure how we can help? Contact us to speak directly with a member of our team.
All correspondence is strictly confidential. We listen and work with you to create an individualized care plan that meets your needs.
Healing from the trauma of witnessing active addiction requires support. We can't do this alone.
