The First Day of Family Week
This morning began another family program here at Cirque Lodge. Residents in our alcohol treatment or drug rehab program are encouraged to invite their family members to attend. Alcoholism and alcohol abuse are far more than a personal problem. Family members can also be affected by the actions and erratic behaviors caused drinking. Family members can also be looking for help and support in dealing with their loved one’s addiction. Family Week is a place where that is found.
The opening day of Family Week programming usually consist of two elements. First is an introductions meeting. This is a place where family members sit in a session with each other (minus their loved ones who are in treatment), and discuss why they are attending Family Week. Cirque Lodge counselors run this introductions workshop. Covered in this workshop are lessons on codependency and enabling. Many family members are unaware of how their own behavior is contributing to a codependent relationship or enabling their loved one to drink.
In the afternoon, the family program provides a lecture on the disease concept of addiction. Family members can have misconceptions on their loved ones alcohol problem. This lecture helps to educate them on the nature of addiction and how the alcoholic reacts due to the significant changes to the chemical structure to the central nervous system. A local medical professional in the field of neurosciences provides this lecture that is filled information on this concept. It is a full day to begin family program to be sure. These elements can help to clear up some of the misconceptions that loved ones can have regarding alcoholism or drug addiction.
