When my son first invited me to take part in "Family Day" at his rehab center, I was apprehensive. What do you mean they want to talk to me too? I asked. Everyone who knows me knows I never drink alcohol, do drugs or smoke cigarettes.  Why would they want to talk to me? They were supposed to be working with him. 

Family Day can be a wonderful time. For those of you who have not yet experienced it, close your eyes and remember what your loved one was like before the drugs. Now open them and see that person standing before you. That is what Family Day felt like like to me.  Family Day is typically the first day a family sees their addict clean and sober since checking in and it is an amazing moment. 

After spending time together, walking the grounds, eating lunch and catching up, our family attended a 12-step meeting with our addicted loved one. It gave us an idea of what the meetings were about and how they play a role in life after rehab. 

Then, a counselor addressed the families.  Information about addiction was shared, some of the addicts spoke directly to their families in front of the group, and there was a question and answer period. 

I left Family Day feeling very positive about my son's recovery and the rehab facility. Meeting other families of addicts also reminded me that I was not alone in the fight. People from all cultures and economic backgrounds were also fighting the battle. 

I came away knowing that "they" weren't fixing him. What they were doing was giving him the tools to "fix" himself and it made me less apprehensive about his coming home after he completed the program. Family Day reminded me that above all else, we were still a family and that we weren't going to let an addiction destroy that for us.

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Parents, Take Advantage of Family Day

Family Involvement is Important In Substance Abuse Treatment