At The Way Out Recovery SCV, staff believes in bringing the families of those struggling with substance abuse disorders into the recovery process for an even greater chance of long-term success.
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While the general public may imagine alcoholics or drug addicts as homeless people living under a bridge, The Way Out Recovery SCV Program Director Bob Sharits noted that 80 percent of people who suffer from substance use disorders have jobs and families.
“They’re sitting right in the middle of their own homes and they’re suffering, and not being able to stop the behavior that’s tearing those families apart, that is really putting those jobs in jeopardy,” Sharits said. “The impact to families is tremendous.”
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Another common view Sharits believes isn’t accurate is that once family members get their loved one into treatment, their work is done.
“Over the years, I’ve had a lot of people reach out to me and say, ‘Oh my God, my family member is in crisis and we finally did all this work with interventions and finally (got) them in the doors or checked into a treatment center or an outpatient program,’” Sharits said. “And the family kind of goes, ‘Phew,’ like it’s done, and I need to let you know that that’s where it begins.”
Rather than stepping back at that point, Sharits said that’s just the beginning of the recovery process, noting that it’s essential for loved ones to offer continued support and be part of that treatment process.
“We really believe that bringing the entire family into treatment is not only helpful, but it’s essential,” Sharits said, adding that those who can’t have their family involved can still recover, but having them there is very helpful.
“At The Way Out, we provide family treatment as well as individualized treatment,” Sharits said, “because we understand the importance.”
Ed. Note: This article is a KHTS Community Spotlight based on the latest “The Way Out Recovery Hour” on KHTS AM-1220.28118 Bouquet Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
(661) 296-4444