Family Services
Family Support in Addiction Recovery and Mental Health Wellness
Addiction and mental health can have a profound impact on individuals and their families. Recognizing their symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and support.
If you don’t know what you’re looking for, the warning signs of drug and/or alcohol addiction can be easy to miss. Many times, family members will report knowing something is "off" or "wrong" but can't pinpoint what is wrong.
For the individual who is abusing, and for those around them, the realization that they have a dependence can be a painful one. They may respond with denial. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs of addiction so that you can identify the type of help they may need.
Addiction Warning Signs
Mood Swings and Isolation
Sudden and dramatic mood, angry outbursts, moodiness or isolation that are not attributed to a specific stressful life event. Isolating away from family, refusing to talk about the problem, placing the blame on others, or diverting the conversation to other subjects if confronted.
Change in Appearance
Sudden weight loss or gain, picked marks on face, lack of proper hygiene, change in skin tone or skin care (pale, ashy, greasy, etc.)
Problems at Work or School
Receiving unusually poor grades in school, or getting unusual negative feedback at work. Calling in sick excessively to work or school. Loss of goals.
Money Problems
Money problems, or legal issues that are out of character. This can involve lying about spending and stealing. Borrowing money from people and returning it, coming up with strange excuses of why excessive spending is happening.
Change in Social Group
Withdrawing from their usual social groups, becoming more isolated. Or changing their friends to a group of people that you may have concerns about.
Loss of Interest in Hobbies
Ceasing team activities, such as sports or other recreational activities. No longer engaging in healthy hobbies or activities that used to interest them such as going on hikes, playing musical instruments, attending group activities, etc.
Mental Health Warning Signs
When a friend or family member develops a mental health condition, it's important for them to know they're not alone. Family members and caregivers often play a large role in helping and supporting their loved ones. Sometimes, it can be hard to tell if someone is just going through a difficult time or there is a more concerning or life-threatening issue at hand.
Not sure if you or someone you know is living with mental health problems? Experiencing one or more of the following feelings or behaviors can be an early warning sign of a problem:
Inability to Perform Daily Tasks
Inability to perform daily tasks such as bathing, getting dressed, etc. Missing work, missing school, canceling activities that are usually enjoyable. Concentration issues, or difficulties with time management. Difficulties following through with tasks.
Paranoia
Paranoia, hearing or seeing things that aren't there. Strange beliefs, being defensive, hostile, and aggressive. Hallucinations or delusions.
Stress and Anxiety
Excessive worry, avoiding conflict and stressful situations. Unexplained fears, fears of social situations and panic attacks.
Mood Swings
Isolation and over-sleeping, mood swings, and/or angry outbursts. Sudden highs or lows. Yelling or fighting with family, partner, or friends. Sudden fits of crying, emotional over or under reactions. Sleep disturbances or insomnia.
Physical Issues
Physical issues that aren't explained by other rationale. Unexplained aches and pains, nightmares, hyperarousal (being jumpy). Trembling or shaking. Stomach aches or gastrointestinal issues. Chronic Migraines or headaches. Memory problems.
Change in Appearance
Weight loss or weight gain, hygiene issues, issues related to food. Cutting or self-harm.
Resources
At Cielo Treatment Center, we also provide families of patients with a variety of resources to support their loved ones' recovery journey:
Family Sessions: Our experienced counselors offer family therapy sessions to address underlying issues, improve communication, and strengthen relationships.
Support Groups: We facilitate support groups where families can connect with others, share experiences, and provide mutual support.
Weekly Updates: We send weekly updates to family members regarding their loved one’s progress in treatment (with client permission).