A Common Question for This Time of Year
Michael Cox, LCDC, La Hacienda’s Family Program Director, has a few words of wisdom for families this time of year.
Graduating patients will determine for themselves if they are uncomfortable being at dinner with alcohol being served.
Family members can ask former patients if they believe they would be comfortable in the presence of others drinking.
Family members should not feel required to “manage” that decision for a former patient.
Former patients have numbers to call and people with sober holiday experience to call on for support.
Former patients should be able to say when they feel uncomfortable. If so they can leave the party or dinner when ready.
If people at a dinner become intoxicated it will not be a comfortable environment for alcoholics. Allow them to speak for themselves regarding the decision to disengage.
Transporting themselves to an event will allow them to disengage discreetly and when ready to do so.
Any environment with illegal drug use/abuse is strictly off limits.
(Source: lahacienda.com)
