How to Find Peace and Acceptance as a Family Member

Family members often feel helpless when a loved one becomes addicted to alcohol or other drugs. There are so many emotional webs to untangle—sadness, shame, fear and anger—all while trying desperately to get a loved one sober.

Otherwise healthy family members may lose sight of their own lives or struggle with deep remorse, feeling somehow responsible for their loved one’s addiction: “Maybe if I’d done things differently, my daughter wouldn’t drink.” But addiction isn’t a parent’s fault. It’s not a sibling’s fault. It’s no one’s fault. Can a parent control their child or guarantee they recover? No. Can a sibling strong-arm their brother or sister into treatment and recovery?