On the Other Side of Chaos : Understanding the Addiction of a Loved One

Based in part on her own family's journey, Ellen Van Vechten explains the science of addiction, the theory of treatment, and the twelve-step model of recovery, providing sensible information and tips for reasoned action in support of a loved one while fostering personal growth and recovery. Powerlessness over another's addiction has a caustic effect on the family. Too often parents and partners equate "letting go" with "giving up." While acceptance of a lack of control is essential to coping with the disease within the family system, there is nothing passive about supporting a partner or child in their journey to recovery. This concept is the foundation of Van Vechten's original approach to empower individuals with knowledge, which when coupled with acceptance allows any family dealing with active addiction to make thoughtful and reasoned decisions to facilitate the recovery of both their loved ones and themselves. A lawyer turned drug counselor examines the disruption many families endure when addiction impacts their lives. Based in part on her own family's journey, Ellen Van Vechten explains the science of addiction, the theory of treatment, and the Twelve-Step model of recovery, providing sensible information and tips for reasoned action in support of a loved one while fostering personal growth and recovery. Powerlessness over another's addiction has a caustic effect on the family. Too often parents and partners equate "letting go" with "giving up." While acceptance of a lack of control is essential to coping with the disease within the family system, there is nothing passive about supporting a partner or child on their journey to recovery. This concept is the foundation of Van Vechten's original approach to empower individuals with knowledge, which when coupled with acceptance allows any family dealing with active addiction to make thoughtful and reasoned decisions to facilitate the recovery of both their loves ones and themselves. Addiction is a disease, not a matter of choice Drugs of abuse and their effects on the body Debunking the myths: the facts about marijuana The criteria for diagnosis of addictive disorders Understanding risk factors and accepting that causation is 'no fault' Treatment: how and why it works What recovery means and how it can be sustained Obstacles to recovery, and relapse The parallel roads to recovery for the addicted and those who love them How to facilitate your own recovery Making reasoned decisions to facilitate treatment Taking action to live comfortably with the recovering addict Conclusion: the search for peace and serenity. "A lawyer turned therapist examines the chaos many families endure when addiction disrupts their lives. Based in part on her own family's journey, Van Vechten explains the science of addiction, the theory of treatment, and the Twelve-Step model of recovery, providing sensible information and tips for reasoned action in support of a loved one while fostering personal growth and recovery."--Publisher's description.