The Power of Reaching out a Hand

What’s included?

1. Introduction
2. How addiction can affect families
3. Eli’s story
4. How Delamere can support a loved one who’s struggling

Addiction can be one of the loneliest places you can find yourself, with guilt and shame pushing you to isolate yourself from the people you love. 

For those in active addiction, the support of family and friends can save a life. 

Just before Christmas, one of our alumni from Delamere told his story on ITV Granada, in the hope of inspiring others to take that huge first step into recovery. 

The love and support from his daughters and wife were described by Eli as saving his life. 

How addiction can affect families 

Watching someone you love struggle with addiction can be painful, and can evoke feelings of guilt, helplessness, anger and exhaustion. 

No one is immune to addiction, and it can impact even seemingly separate aspects of life. 

Due to the effect of alcohol or drugs on the brain, people can become unpredictable and act erratically. It can be hard to know how to support someone you love during such a difficult time.

How to be there for a loved one

• It may sound contradictory, but putting yourself first can help you to be  better support to someone struggling. If you are tired or stressed, you won’t be able to help. 
• Set clear boundaries for yourself to protect from harm and allow some space to think. 
• Try to remain clear headed and judgement free when encouraging someone struggling to open up.
• Seek help from a professional. You don’t have to support a family member or friend on your own, and professional rehabilitation services can help you to navigate the difficult period. 

Eli’s story

We’re proud of every guest who steps through the doors at Delamere, and watching Eli, father of four and entrepreneur, share his story to inspire others was a poignant moment for every colleague who worked with him. 

Eli’s little girls were instrumental in his recovery from alcohol, marijuana and prescription drug addiction. 

As he told Delamere’s medical team he wanted to quit rehab, during a low moment in his treatment, Eli received two heartrending voice notes from his daughters, then aged six and nine, pleading with him to stay.

His youngest daughter told him: “I’m really proud of you and I just wanted you to know that I love you, I really want you to stay there so that you can be a better daddy and you don’t need to drink.” 

His eldest daughter told him: “I really miss you but we both know this is for the best, and I’m really proud of you for staying there even though it’s really hard and really tricky. We love you.”

Next week, Eli will celebrate Christmas with his wife and daughters having been sober for two years. 

Since his time at Delamere, Eli has been taking pleasure in simple everyday moments and “finding beauty in the little things”.

How Delamere can support a loved one who’s struggling

If Eli’s story has resonated with you, Delamere can help to support a family member or friend who is struggling with addiction this winter. 

Delamere’s Stop Start Grow Bloom treatment model is tailored to the individual, exploring the root cause of addiction rather than treating the symptoms.

From traditional 1-1 and group therapies, to holistic practices such as reiki, breathwork and creative therapies, at Delamere, we help individuals grow beyond addiction.

We encourage families to keep in touch, with ‘Connection Day’ and ‘Family Conferences’ offered to all guests that need it.

Summary

Article Name

The Power of Reaching out a Hand | Delamere

Description

Delamere's alumni guest Eli told his story on ITV Granada, in the hope of inspiring others to take that huge first step into recovery.

Author

Martin Preston

Publisher Name

Delamere Health Ltd

Publisher Logo

About the author: Martin Preston

Martin created Delamere in order to provide exemplary care in first class facilities. Find out more about Martin on our team page.