Family Agreements in Recovery

Treatment programs exist for people who have become powerless due to addiction. Without the help and support from family members, an addicted person may not achieve and maintain sobriety. With a family contract, the entire family agrees upon acceptable behaviors and boundaries.

Rules

• Rules should be clearly defined. Include a curfew for the recovering person living with a family member. Outline acceptable times for unannounced visits to friends and relatives.

Personal Property

• Fully outline terms for loans, with consequences for failure to repay a loan or replace a previously stolen item.

Relapse Prevention

• A relapse can easily occur when a recovering person has idle time. The contract can mandate that the recovering addict must be employed, take classes, volunteer or attend a treatment program.

Family Participation

• An addict can change the dynamics of an entire family, causing relatives to feel angry, fearful and resentful. The family contract can help the family heal by including counseling or a support group for families of people in the grips of addition, such as Al-Anon.

Consequences

• When rules are broken or terms of the contract are violated, there should be firmly enforced repercussions---eviction, a return to rehab, or, if necessary, police intervention.