Supporting families through addiction
Find guidance for every stage of your loved one’s recovery – from preparing for rehab to offering support during and after treatment.
Watching a loved one battle addiction can bring a mix of emotions, from confusion and frustration, to sadness and fear. Many families feel helpless as they witness changes in their loved one’s behaviour, health and relationships, often unsure of how to offer support or where to turn for help.
It's important to remember that you're not alone in this, and support is available while your loved one receives treatment with us.
When a loved one decides to go to rehab, it can be a challenging yet hopeful time for families. Knowing what to expect and how to support them before treatment begins can make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
This stage often involves recognising the need for professional help, exploring treatment options, and having open conversations about what rehab entails. It’s also a time to prepare emotionally and practically, ensuring your loved one feels supported as they take this important step towards recovery.
Talking to a loved one about rehab can be difficult, but approaching the conversation with care, understanding and support can make a difference. Here are some key steps:
Once you've spoken to your loved one about their addiction, together you can look at treatment providers and gather information about their path to recovery. To better understand our treatment services, call us today.
An addiction assessment is a useful first step in your loved one's addiction recovery journey. The assessment can be carried out in-person or over the phone, with no obligation to proceed with treatment.
This initial discussion will be with an addiction therapist, but if someone is struggling with prescription drug addiction, we recommend seeing a consultant first. During this conversation, the therapist will assess the person's situation, explain the admissions process, and outline our commitment to confidentiality and safeguarding. We'll also provide information about therapy and detox programmes.
During the addiction assessment, we’ll explore various aspects of your loved one's life and addiction, covering areas such as:
If your loved one’s substance use or addictive behaviour is affecting their daily life, relationships, health or responsibilities, rehab may be the best option. Signs they may need professional treatment include:
If you're unsure, a professional assessment can help determine the right level of care for your loved one.
Yes, family members are welcome to attend the free addiction assessment if your loved one is comfortable with it. Having a supportive presence can be helpful, and you may also gain a better understanding of the treatment options available.
Inpatient addiction treatment typically lasts for 28 days, including a 7 to 10-day detox.
While 28 days is the most effective timeframe for long-term recovery, we also offer shorter stays in certain circumstances. If needed, your loved one can stay for longer, particularly if they need additional support to maintain their progress before transitioning back to everyday life.
After leaving rehab, they'll receive 12 months of free aftercare, ensuring they have the ongoing support they need to stay on track in their recovery journey.
At Priory, there are two main ways to fund rehab treatment:
If you’re unsure about payment options, our admissions team is happy to help explain the process
When your loved one enters rehab, it’s natural to wonder how involved you can be in their journey.
We recognise the vital role families and loved ones play in recovery. That's why we encourage regular contact between you and your loved one when they're in treatment, whether through phone and video calls, or in-person visits. We'll always be as flexible as possible to help you stay connected with your loved one, while ensuring their recovery remains the priority.
Your loved one will stay in one of our beautiful, tranquil settings, with access to comfortable accommodation, dedicated therapy rooms, activity spaces and peaceful areas to unwind. With round-the-clock care and an environment designed to support both comfort and recovery, we provide the ideal space for healing.
Yes, family visits are encouraged as part of the recovery process. However, visits are typically structured to support your loved one’s treatment. There may be designated visiting times, and some programmes offer family therapy sessions to help rebuild relationships and provide guidance on supporting recovery.
When your loved one enters treatment with us, you'll be invited to join our family support programme. We recognise that addiction affects the whole family, so from day one, we offer guidance, education and emotional support to help you understand the recovery process and begin your own journey of healing alongside your loved one.
Each hospital will have their own guidelines around phone and internet use. In the early stages, access may be limited to help your loved one focus on their recovery without distractions. However, they may be allowed scheduled phone calls or monitored access to stay in touch with family and loved ones.
A typical day in rehab follows a structured routine designed to support recovery. While schedules vary, here’s what your loved one can generally expect:
See an example timetable here.
Rehab provides a balance of structured treatment and personal reflection time, helping your loved one focus on their recovery in a supportive environment.
Once your loved one finishes their stay in rehab, we'll continue to support you both for a further 12 months. This includes access to aftercare sessions, guidance on maintaining recovery, and ongoing support to help you and your loved one navigate life after treatment.
Transitioning back home after rehab can be challenging, but with the right support, it can be a positive step forward. You can expect:
Once your loved one has been discharged from Priory, we will continue to support you both for 12 months. We can provide regular meetings and alumni events as well as signpost you to local support groups.
There are also many support groups and counselling services available specifically for families affected by addiction. Groups like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and Adfam offer a space to connect with others who understand your experience.
Relapse doesn’t happen suddenly - it’s often a gradual process with warning signs. These may include changes in mood, withdrawing from loved ones, avoiding recovery meetings or therapy, increased stress, or romanticising past substance use. You might also notice changes in their sleep, appetite, or general attitude towards recovery. If you sense they’re struggling, open a supportive conversation and encourage them to seek help before a relapse occurs.
Learn more:
We understand that supporting a loved one with addiction can be difficult, but support is available to help you. Here are some helpful guides to help you manage and overcome challenges you might face: