FAMILIES CAN RECOVER OUT LOUD:
IMAGINE if everyone acknowledged the challenge individuals face who are struggling with a substance use disorder. . . . . . And, we chose first to lead with love and compassion ~ not judgment?
How many lives could be saved?
How would our loved ones feel if we asked them “what can we do for you, rather than demand that they just stop using?”
Would they feel empowered knowing they are not alone?
could there be greater understanding and more compassionate discussions about treatment and recovery options?
* THE RESULT MIGHT BE LESS STIGMA AND SHAME LEADING TO BETTER RECOVERY OUTcOMES !
SHARE YOUR TRUTH
The stories we share compel greater compassion, influence better understanding and educate to decrease societal judgment. The faces and voices of our lived experiences can turn the language around to end harmful and stigmatizing definitions about substance use.
It is unusual to find anyone who has not been personally affected, or at least acquainted, with someone who has stories of sadness, frustration or loss from a substance related cause.
Sharing stories of loss AND family recovery successes, large and small, can empower others in their struggles. Together we can effect change by sharing valuable insights gained through our walk with someone with a substance use disorder.
CHANGE THE LANGUAGE
“Stigma is driven by the words we use. To decrease stigma, if that is the goal, we should start with our words. Person first language: a person with an alcohol disorder; a person with an opioid disorder; a person with a substance use disorder. These words take the blame off of the person and puts it where it should be; on the medical disorder.” (emphasis added)
~ Sam Snodgrass, PhD (broken-no-more.org)
Words matter. Encouraging friends and family to eliminate hurtful, shaming, or stereotypical language in conversations is really important. We can demonstrate by example, by purposely using language that shows genuine love and concern; language that is both affirming and empathetic. Making someone feel worse than they already do is not helpful, and can often increase risky behaviors and possible overdose.
FAMILY RECOVERY
As families. . . . we also go through recovery. You may have been led to this website because you are actively trying to help someone navigating a substance use disorder. The power of the three S’s of shame, secrecy and stigma changes people and actually reinforces useNo individual believes that they will ever become dependent on a harmful substance. Our loved ones often face the burdens of their use alone and in secret, despite our intentions as family and friends to offer them support and guidance. Feelings of shame stemming from their plight can be triggers and make living seem unbearable.
Learning ways that you can help guide a loved one toward changing behaviors can happen with love, compassion and family centered treatment. To reduce the need for secrecy and minimize shame felt by loved ones, there needs to be open and honest communications that honors where someone IS in their use, treatment or recovery.
By CREATING SAFE SPACES in our families our loved ones can rely on the safety of our relationships to share their truth – – any time, any place.
(See, Partnership to End Addiction: Family Recovery resources and services at: https://drugfree.org)
STOP THE HARM
All anyone wants is to be recognized as an important person and be treated with dignity and respect. So much effort is put into telling people what they should be doing; but how often is a person in active use asked what they truly need? A good place to start is showing empathy and asking “what can I do for you right now.” Acknowledging that people are sick, that they deserve to have their mental and physical health needs met, demonstrates compassion. Nobody sets out to become dependent on substances that take everything they hold dear away from them. And, they certainly do not want to die before they have the chance to live.
In our supportive roles, we may have found ourselves paralyzed in our efforts to lead someone to change their behaviors. Countless people have died because they were denied scientific evidence-informed treatment, vital harm reduction resources (i.e. medicine assisted treatment (MAT), family Naloxone preparedness, or safe injection sites. Just to name a few, that, if utilized, are proven effective to increase better recovery outcomes and save lives.
Harm reduction resources must be provided for all individuals who need them.
(See Shatterproof National Principles of Care at : https://www.shatterproof.org/shatterproof-national-principles-care )
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERS
MUST BE SEEN WITH A NEW SET OF EYES
Society has had to face that we have lost, and are still losing, a generation of young people and adults to substance related deaths.
- In what other country would it be tolerable to lose the equivalent of a jet airliner crashing every single day, killing everyone onboard?
Yet, in the U.S., that is arguably the number of precious lives that are lost every day from overdoses. Many of us know only too well what it feels like to lose a loved one, friend or co-worker from this kind of loss. It is not a character defect of abuse or a wave of crime, but a mental health crisis behind these deaths.
PEOPLE USE FOR A REASON & BEHAVIORS MAKE SENSE.
The reluctance to acknowledge this epic failure of society by not funding programs supporting mental health, treatment and recovery from substance use disorders is unconscionable.
Together, we can all do our part to make our collective voices heard – in order to ensure that treatment and harm reduction services are not just available, but are actually provided to everyone who needs them.
HEALING HEARTS ONE STORY AT A TIME