Family and friends struggling with a loved one’s addiction is not unfamiliar, every week there is yet another leading personality battling with addiction in whatever form that may take. This week, for example, it’s Paul Gascoigne – his friends and family are left in despair after he had relapsed. RedChair’s message to the family is that there is always hope.

Although addiction is frustrating you should never give up, always offer help and seek some kind of recovery yourself. The experts at RedChair have found that family members and friends are in turmoil long before an addict is ready to kick the habit. Yet, simply walking away is much easier said than done. RedChair has found that not only is walking away hard but it is also not effective.

 People surrounding those who have an addiction issues, such as friends, family and employers should always seek professional support and guidance. There is a wealth of advice out there, some that RedChair recommends are: accredited family counsellors, 12 step groups like Al-Anon and Families Anonymous, spiritual centres, churches and books such as Love First by Jeff Jay and Debra Jay. This can all seem overwhelming at first so RedChair reiterates the need to find a professional therapist who can then guide people in the right direction.

‘Never give up on the person who is suffering with addiction.’ RedChair’s motto ‘never give up’ does not mean that family members should be a doormat to their loved ones addiction. Instead, it want to encourage solid personal boundaries. Consistently offer help and treatment but always maintain personal boundaries to the addiction and its effects.

Interventionists, such as Bill Stevens at RedChair, continue to guide those affected by addiction in this process of recovery. A common question from those who surround the addict is, at what point do you walk away? Stevens suggests that you never walk away but learn how to detach from the negative behaviour. Studies show that families who engage in intervention, and recovery, experience more loved ones seeking out recovery.

For further information about the family and addiction please contact 0845 224 1967