Family Counseling in Tacoma WA as part of treatment for alcohol dependency can be a very effective strategy for preventing relapse. Relapses are relatively common for a variety of reasons. One of those reasons is not having strong support to stay clean and sober. Even when the person knows that the family wants this, negative habits and patterns can be difficult to avoid without implementing methods to prevent temptation.
Social Gatherings at the Home
Holidays and other social gatherings can be landmines for people in recovery. Through Family Counseling in Tacoma WA, everyone can learn tools that help keep the recovering addict on a healthy path. It should be no problem to announce, when extending invitations to the family’s home, that this is a non-alcohol event. The attitude to take should be that if anyone needs to drink alcohol at every social event, perhaps this gathering is not suitable for them.
Maintaining Motivation
These sessions at a center such as Alternative & Action Counseling are personalized for each individual and the family. The counselor helps the client in recovery develop a strong sense of motivation to stay sober. Potential weak points can be explored. Research has found, for instance, that people are more likely to relapse when they feel an attitude that essentially says, “the heck with everything.” That can occur after a particularly frustrating day or a significant disappointment.
A Schedule of Activities
Creating a new schedule of activities helps fill gaps that used to be dedicated to drinking. The person in recovery needs activities to replace going to bars, drinking with friends at someone’s house while watching sports, and drinking at home while reading books or chatting on social media. The family can participate in this process, finding mutual interests that can be participated in together.
Practice Saying No
Practicing saying no is also an effective strategy. This person must be ready to politely decline offers of beer, wine, and liquor. Some of those offers can be expected, such as from vendors at athletic games. At a birthday party, this person might simply say, “Thank you, but I’m not drinking today.” Other moments are unexpected and the person must immediately be ready to turn down the offer.
