Family recovery is possible; it can be rewarding, and relationships have the potential to be more meaningful than ever. In recovery, there may develop an honesty and openness that was never even dreamed of before. Family members in recovery will need to develop a vision of what makes up a healthy family. It is not uncommon that addictions run in families and may have affected families for generations. Thus, families may have little idea of what healthy interactions look like.

Taking the time to develop a vision for healthy family relationships is time well spent. Having no direction or idea of what one is working toward means a lot of unnecessary trial-and-error approaches. It can be frustrating and discouraging. Don't allow fear, pride, or shame to keep you from learning.

It's never too late to learn. Read books on healthy relationships, attend relationship workshops or seminars, watch respected role models to see how they interact, and/or ask for help from professional counselors. Once it becomes clear what healthy family relationships involve, goals and objectives can be set. It will take time, often more time than one would like, and perseverance. Celebrating every victory, every step taken forward, will make the process rewarding and worthwhile.