My name is Ward Blanchard, CEO and founder of The Blanchard Institute, and I’ve been a human service professional for nearly 20 years. Today, I want to discuss the crucial role that the sphere of influence—those closest to the individual struggling with addiction—plays in the recovery process.
Understanding the Sphere of Influence
The sphere of influence consists of the loved ones and closest family members surrounding the individual identified as having an addiction. This group has the greatest potential to impact and encourage change. One common misconception is that the person with the addiction must want to get better for treatment to be effective. However, this is not true; the loved ones can significantly influence the individual’s motivation and behavior even when their cognitive functions are impaired due to substance use.
The Brain’s Healing Process
It is important to understand that the brain of a person with an addiction takes approximately 18 months to two years to heal—a process known as neuroplasticity, which involves the retraining of the brain’s pathways. During this period, the cognitive functioning of the individual is not at its best. This is why the support and influence of family members and loved ones are crucial. They need to set boundaries and create an environment that encourages the individual to comply with treatment, thereby giving the brain the time it needs to recover.
Setting Boundaries and Professional Guidance
Families and loved ones should seek professional direction to understand the most effective boundaries to set. These boundaries help ensure that the individual follows the treatment plan, much like taking a prescribed course of antibiotics as directed by a doctor. Deviating from the prescribed treatment plan can lead to poor outcomes, just as not completing a course of antibiotics can result in incomplete healing.
One of the most common phrases in 12-step programs is “fake it till you make it.” This means that individuals should comply with the treatment process even if they are not fully motivated at first. Over time, as their brain heals, they will start to genuinely want to recover. This highlights the difference between a sober date and a surrender date—the point at which the individual fully commits to their recovery journey.
The Role of the Sphere of Influence
The sphere of influence must understand their role in the recovery process. By following professional guidance and setting appropriate boundaries, they can create a supportive environment that significantly improves the prognosis for the individual struggling with addiction. This support helps bring about compliance with the treatment plan, ultimately leading to better long-term outcomes.
In summary, the support of loved ones and family members is crucial in the recovery process. By understanding their role and setting appropriate boundaries, they can significantly influence the individual’s journey toward recovery, even when the individual is not initially motivated to change.