This text is replaced by the Flash movie.
Yeldall Manor > Programmes Home > Residential Rehabilitation > Information for Families
Information for Families
Addiction affects families, not just the person struggling with drug or alcohol misuse, and living with a family member (or friend) with a serious problem is often difficult and chaotic. Relationships can become strained or broken: there can be a feeling of impotence or powerlessness as you watch your loved one spiral downwards. Residential rehabilitation is often a last resort for the addict and other programmes may well have been tried before with varying degrees of success.
Rehabilitation and the road to recovery are tough: this is not an easy option. For men to succeed, they will need to recognise their own powerlessness to conquer their addictions and learn to become vulnerable again. They will need to confront past experiences and feelings and learn different ways of dealing with such things as anger, disappointment and abuse. This will occur both in peer groups and during regular sessions with a trained Counsellor. This process, though painful, is worthwhile, for without it there will be no sustainable recovery.
In order to help residents, there are conditions relating to contact with family members and friends, particularly during the Assessment Phase of the programme (first four weeks). These give new residents adequate time away from the pressure of outside influences, as they adjust to and learn about the programme. It is important that you understand and keep these conditions in order to aid recovery.
During the first two weeks:
- No phone calls with the residents will be allowed - you are able to call and ask how they are settling in but will not be able to talk to them.
- One letter in and one out - to relatives or responsible friends - will be allowed after the first 7 days. After 14 days the restrictions on mail will be lifted.
After the first two weeks:
- Telephone calls up to a total of 30 minutes per week will be permitted at the discretion of their Counsellor.
- Fortnightly visits will be allowed from helpful and responsible relatives or friends: Saturday between 12.00 noon and 7.00 pm or Sunday between 12.45 and 5.45pm.
Visits are subject to catering restrictions.
As your family member progresses through the programme, they will be set objectives which will include longer visits away at weekends. These are agreed with their Counsellor.
During the year, we hold quarterly Celebration Services on a Friday evening and you are welcome to join us. Details of these events can be found on our Supporters' Information pages. During these evenings, current residents are joined by ex-residents, staff and supporters to celebrate successes and share news about Yeldall Manor. We also hold an Annual Open Day in July, which includes live music, refreshments and games, and concludes with a Celebration Service in the marquee late afternoon. For more information about these, click here.
There are organisations nationally which offer support to families and friends of people with addiction problems. (Click here for more information.) This can help you to find personal support as well as prepare you for a changed life with your family member, post-rehabilitation.
