Addiction -- The Family Disease
As much as alcohol and drug addiction is a disease that affects the mind and body, so is it a disease that affects the whole family. One family member with drinking or drug problems means the whole family suffers. So for those who think addiction is contained to the individual, with the family playing merely a support role, it should be made clear that addiction is a family problem; it impacts the stability of the home, the family's unity, metal health, physical health, and overall family dynamic. That family dynamic that will gradually unravel unless its members get the help and support they need. Mark Houston Recovery can offer help to your loved one and offer assistance in dealing with the illness from a family perspective. And in dealing with these issues, you then have the opportunity to provide a better support system for your loved one and hopefully make a difference in their lives when they need it. To support them, you must first support yourself. Let us help you find that support.
Addiction And Alcoholism -- Breaking Down The Disease
There are several stages that the family of an addict goes through. These are typical patterns displayed by families that have dealt with an alcoholic or drug addicted child/sibling/parent/relative, and while this pattern is not identical to the stages the addict themselves experiences, they are similar. Because so much of addiction is based on denial, this is one of the first stages of this family disease. The addiction is rationalized, abnormal is considered normal and family members either can't handle the reality or ignore the reality all together. Once this behavior begins it's followed by a series of stages that include things like: preoccupation, fear, guilt, remorse, distrust, and avoidance. Ultimately this amounts a continual downward spiral that has the family resenting and disliking the one person they need to be supporting and offering their love to. It's easy to lose sight of what's important in situations like these. Mark Houston Recovery doesn't want you to lose sight. Recovery, for us, is just one of the pieces of the puzzle that fits together to present a clean and sober person.
Working Together For One Goal -- An Addiction Free Family 
There have been many situations where the family goes about this without any consideration for the person in recovery and ends up being less effective when he is in need of support and quality care. No matter the type of family or size, alcohol and drug addiction can take it's toll much like the drug itself. Keeping the focus where it needs to be, while making sure there is a support network the addict has access to is very important. Getting him to Mark Houston Recovery was the hardest thing you've ever had to do. Once he's here, we can apply our proven methods to aid in his recovery. During that time you and your family can get the rest and support you need. When it's time for him to come home, you have had to time to deal with some of the issues mentioned above. Mark Houston Recovery will be with you along the way.