How to Respond If Client Families Present a Safety Risk

Families often play an integral role in client recovery during treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions. Healthcare professionals must navigate the family dynamics affecting client care and safety. Studies have shown that “family dynamics and the quality of family relationships can positively or negatively impact health.” Driftwood Recovery does comprehensive assessments and a full client history to determine if family relationships may complicate treatment and long-term recovery. Staff members use a compassionate approach to address client families and their concerns.

What Is a Safety Risk?

Safety risks are factors that negatively impact the emotional or physical well-being of individuals in treatment. Families play an important role in creating a healthy and nurturing environment for recovery. According to the Research Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (RAHRQ), “As essential members of the care team, families play a critical role in reducing harm and improving safety for patients.” However, in some cases, unhealthy family dynamics may pose a danger to individuals in treatment. 

Examples of client safety risks healthcare providers may encounter include: 

• Self-harming or self-destructive behaviors
• Adverse reactions to treatment or prescription medications 
• Clients not understanding their treatment or making informed decisions about their care 
• Family members removing clients from care against medical advice 

Client safety is a top priority for the experts at Driftwood Recovery. Staff members regularly check in with clients and practice transparency to ensure clients feel comfortable disclosing any concerns. Clinicians and support staff understand the importance of remaining vigilant to signs of unsafe individuals interacting with clients. Communication or visitation rights may be revoked for individuals who pose a safety hazard to clients or staff. 

Assessing Client Families and Relationship Dynamics

Healthcare professionals must assess clients to determine what underlying factors may impact their mental health and physical safety. Family relationships significantly affect how people see the world and think about their condition. Unhealthy family dynamics may cause some clients to feel ambivalent about treatment. Toxic relationships may also cause physical safety issues if they lead to domestic or family abuse. 

Some of the ways healthcare professionals assess clients and their relationships with family members include: 

• Gathering a family history 
• Direct observation of family interactions and behavioral cues
• Structured interviews with clients and families 
• Identifying roles within the family to determine relationship dynamics 
• Assessing boundaries within the family
• Gaining cultural and socioeconomic context for clients and their families 
• Identifying client resources and support networks 

Healthcare professionals use these methods to better understand the relationships between clients and their family members. A comprehensive review of family dynamics allows staff members to create tailored care plans and address unique challenges clients face during treatment and ongoing recovery. 

How Can Client Families Become a Safety Risk?

Families may pose a physical or emotional safety risk to clients by interfering with treatment or putting clients in danger. Healthcare professionals are mandatory reporters and must act if they notice any abuse affecting clients under their care. 

Families may become a safety risk if they do the following: 

• Enable substance abuse or other unhealthy behaviors
• Cause clients to be overly dependent on them for emotional or practical support 
• Act abusive or aggressive toward the client
• Purposefully expose clients to triggers 
• Dismiss the client’s need for treatment due to ignorance or stigma 
• Violate client boundaries 
• Emotionally manipulate the client 
• Involve the client in illegal activities 
• Fail to acknowledge or address toxic behavior

Clients may have difficulty recognizing unhealthy relationship dynamics. Staff may need to help clients work through understanding how remaining in unhealthy relationships could reduce the effectiveness of treatment, increase the risk of relapse, and cause them to experience complications in recovery. 

Navigating Communication With Client Families During Treatment

Healthcare professionals should remain objective, calm, and focused on conflict resolution while communicating with families. Honesty and transparency also reduce the risk of causing further complications. Ultimately, clients control what information their care team can share with family members. Navigating conversations with client families should be handled with compassion and professionalism. 

Following the HIPAA Privacy Rule

Healthcare professionals must adhere to HIPPA privacy laws while providing support and guidance to clients during treatment. Client information, medical records, and treatment progress cannot be shared with unauthorized family members without the client’s permission.

Toxic or unhealthy family dynamics often cause abusive and controlling family members to try to take control of their loved one’s treatment. Even well-meaning families may struggle to let go of control if clients choose not to include them in their recovery. Staff members must navigate those conversations with empathy and professionalism. 

Following HIPAA requirements means clinicians and support staff cannot share the following with family members without client permission: 

• Conversations between medical professionals about the client’s health and treatment 
• Client contact information, including phone number and home address 
• Information about billing and payments 
• Client health records, including test results and official diagnosis 
• Additional details of the treatment plan

Staff members at Driftwood Recovery protect clients by providing referrals to protective services for individuals struggling with relationship abuse or conflict.

Healthcare professionals may have to navigate situations where clients and their families have unhealthy or dangerous relationships. Domestic violence, abuse, severely co-dependent relationships, and other family dynamics may hurt a client’s mental health and/or substance abuse recovery during treatment. Family members often play a role in treatment and recovery. Rehabilitation and mental health programs provide clients with the resources and tools needed to address unhealthy or unsafe family dynamics. The staff members at Driftwood Recovery receive training on how to recognize and respond appropriately if clients’ families pose any type of safety risk. To learn more about maintaining client safety and addressing family issues, contact our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Many healthcare workers experience chronic stress as a result of workplace and personal stressors. Supervisors and treatment facilities have an obligation to help staff reduce and manage stress. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare facilities can “[e]ncourage employees to make self-care a priority, keeping consistent daily routines when possible (e.g., try to get adequate sleep, make time for eating healthy meals, and take breaks during work shifts to rest, stretch, or check in with supportive colleagues, coworkers, friends, and family).” The supervisors at Driftwood Recovery understand the importance of supporting staff and provide various forms of assistance to ensure staff experience less stress at work. 

Side Effects of Chronic Stress

Unmanaged stress can profoundly affect people’s lives and their ability to function at work. Individuals who experience trauma or chronic stress in the workplace may have a more difficult time finding effective ways to lower stress.

The side effects of chronic stress may include: 

• Relationship conflict 
• Physical health conditions, including headaches, muscle pain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues 
• Difficulty maintaining emotional stability 
• Significant changes to eating and sleeping patterns 
• Increased risk of developing mental health disorders 
• Difficulty concentrating

Everyone reacts differently to the symptoms and side effects of stress. According to Future Science OA, “In situations in which the stressor is overwhelming and cannot be resolved, stress becomes chronic.” Healthcare workers protect themselves by addressing problem areas immediately. Exploring healthy solutions for reducing workplace or home stressors supports positive mental health. 

Workplace Risk Factors

Some of the most common workplace risk factors for increased stress include: 

• Lack of work-life balance 
• Unrealistic workplace expectations 
• Excessive workload and inflexible scheduling
• Lack of quality time with loved ones due to overworking 
• Uncomfortable work environment 
• Unclear job responsibilities 
• Heading about, witnessing, or experiencing trauma related to clients 
• Interpersonal conflict between coworkers 
• Limited opportunities for advancement 
• Inconsistent, unclear, or ineffective communication 

Identifying the factors impacting people’s mental health and stress levels makes it easier for them to develop effective and practical solutions. For example, healthcare professionals who feel underappreciated and overworked may benefit from transferring to a position where they have greater control over their schedule and access to a supportive environment. 

4 Ways to Address Chronic Stress

Everyone reacts differently to stress. Below are four methods people use to address chronic stress and improve mental health. 

#1. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Developing boundaries is essential at home and work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Setting boundaries at work and home helps other people understand how to work with you.” In addition, “If someone steps over the line, you need to be able to name the behavior, and say that it isn’t acceptable.” 

Not everyone knows how to set clear boundaries. Establishing boundaries at work involves doing the following: 

• Defining workplace tasks and responsibilities, setting reasonable limits to protect mental and physical health 
• Assertively communicating boundaries with coworkers and supervisors 
• Ensuring family, coworkers, and management understand personal and professional limits 
• Politely declining additional tasks or responsibilities interfering with a healthy work-life balance 
• Avoiding work-related tasks at home and personal responsibilities while at work
• Taking regular breaks throughout the day 
• Prioritizing tasks and delegating when appropriate 
• Setting realistic goals and deadlines 
• Utilizing support networks 
• Regularly assessing boundaries and adjusting them as needed 

Setting boundaries is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve mental health. 

#2. Reducing Stressors at Work

Workplace stressors can come from many sources, including coworkers, supervisors, workplace policies, clients, and client families. Reducing stressors at work helps people avoid exposure to chronic stress. Identifying stressors and developing creative solutions for overcoming them ensures healthcare workers maintain positivity and a healthy work-life balance. 

Some examples of how healthcare professionals reduce work stress include: 

• Prioritizing self-care every day 
• Avoiding excessive tasks and responsibilities 
• Practicing self-compassion and patience 

Every day brings new challenges, and people protect their mental health by caring for themselves. Healthcare workers cannot provide high-quality and effective care without prioritizing their psychological and physical wellness. 

#3. Managing Expectations and Setting Realistic Goals

Everyone has goals they want to achieve in their personal and professional lives. However, some individuals may expect too much from themselves, coworkers, or their careers. Setting realistic expectations reduces stress by making personal and professional goals achievable. 

People set achievable goals at work by focusing on the following: 

• Specifying goals in exact detail 
• Tracking goals using precise measurements 
• Ensuring goals are based on current skill level and knowledge 
• Making goals relevant to workplace responsibilities 
• Setting clear deadlines for achieving goals 
• Breaking down large-picture goals into smaller goals
• Celebrating successes and progress in achieving goals 

#4. Relying on Friends and Loved Ones to Manage Chronic Stress

Chronic stress can impact how people feel about themselves and others. Relying on loved ones, sharing challenges, and asking for advice or support allows people to manage chronic stress more effectively. Driftwood Recovery staff members know they can rely on their supervisors, coworkers, and peers to help them navigate stressors in the workplace.  

Many healthcare professionals experience chronic stress in the workplace, and some may have difficulty managing the various side effects. If left unaddressed, many minor life stressors may add up to cause extreme emotional distress and prolonged mental health issues. Healthcare professionals work in a high-demand environment where they may encounter traumatic or emotionally distressing situations. Pressure to meet unrealistic goals may also increase stress. Setting clear boundaries and achievable goals helps healthcare workers successfully manage stress. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff have the resources and tools to avoid chronic stress and address issues impacting their mental health. To learn more about our facility, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.

Unmanaged anxiety is a leading cause of preventable illness. Millions of people are diagnosed with anxiety-related mental and physical health conditions every year. Healthcare workers have an increased risk of developing clinical anxiety due to multiple factors. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, healthcare “workers were more likely to report symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders.” Driftwood Recovery ensures staff members have access to support resources and a healthy work environment to reduce workplace stress and the risk of developing anxiety-related disorders. 

How Does Work-Related Anxiety Impact Mental Health?

Workplace stressors have the potential to significantly impact psychological and physical health. Individuals working in the healthcare field often have to work in high-pressure situations with little emotional support. According to Health Psychology Research, “Workplace stress can influence healthcare professionals’ physical and emotional well-being by curbing their efficiency and having a negative impact on their overall quality of life.” Increased anxiety is a common side effect of chronic workplace stress. Anxiety can lead to severe side effects if left unmanaged. 

Some of the most common issues caused by work-related anxiety include: 

• The development of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and other mental health disorders 
• Panic or anxiety attacks 
• Emotional or physical burnout 
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or oversleeping 
• Abusing alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs to manage symptoms of anxiety 
• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) 

Healthcare professionals use mental health support services to manage anxiety-related issues at work. In addition, people often benefit from setting clear boundaries to separate workplace responsibilities and their personal lives. Driftwood Recovery provides staff with resources for developing a healthy work-life balance. 

Physical Side Effects

Some symptoms may persist even after a person begins treatment for their anxiety. A few of the most common physical side effects of workplace anxiety include: 

• Headache or migraine 
• Muscle tension and body aches 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Heart palpitations or shortness of breath 
• Gastrointestinal issues, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Dizziness 

The physical symptoms exist along a spectrum. Many people are unaware of the potential side effects of untreated workplace anxiety. In some cases, anxiety causes prolonged emotional distress and may interfere with a person’s ability to successfully manage their responsibilities. Due to the high-demand environment of most healthcare facilities, staff may struggle to function while experiencing anxiety. 

Warning Signs and How to Avoid Workplace Stress

Workplace stress is a leading cause of anxiety for healthcare professionals. Being able to identify the warning signs of anxiety-related mental health disorders and reduce workplace stress helps people create healthier routines. 

Some of the most common warning signs of anxiety disorders include: 

• Feeling unusually tense, restless, or irritable 
• Uncharacteristic nervousness 
• Increased startle response 
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Avoiding people, places, or things causing increased emotional distress 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Feeling panic, anxiousness, helplessness, or doom 

People may not always have the option to avoid stressful places, situations, thoughts, or individuals. Healthcare workers concerned about their mental health can utilize workplace or community support resources. Driftwood Recovery ensures all staff have information about relevant services to help them successfully manage anxiety before it affects their quality of life. 

Successfully Addressing Work-Related Anxiety

Individuals who feel heard and supported by their supervisors are less likely to develop anxiety-related disorders or emotional burnout. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “In 2022, health workers experienced a decrease in odds of burnout if they trusted management . . . had supervisor help . . . had enough time to complete work . . . and felt that their workplace supported productivity.” Setting clear expectations and boundaries allows healthcare professionals to work in an environment where they feel heard and valued. 

A few ways individuals may successfully address work-related anxiety include: 

• Practicing mindfulness and increasing self-awareness 
• Prioritizing effective time management 
• Talking to co-workers, supervisors, or loved ones about workplace stressors or concerns 
• Maintaining overall health through regular physical activity, quality sleep, and eating balanced meals
• Being transparent about personal needs and preferences 
• Replacing negative emotions or self-talk with affirmations and positive self-talk 
• Increasing professional skills through continuing training and other opportunities 
• Keeping the workspace organized and calm 

Healthcare professionals who practice healthy coping skills and make positive lifestyle changes often notice a significant decrease in anxiety and emotional distress during work. 

How Does Driftwood Recovery Support Staff Experiencing Work-Related Anxiety?

Anyone can feel anxious at any time. If anxiety begins to impact a person’s emotional and physical health or quality of life, they may benefit from additional support. The management team at Driftwood Recovery regularly checks in with every staff member to ensure they feel supported and empowered in their position. Everyone deserves to receive compassionate care if they begin to struggle with anxiety or other mental health issues. Staff have access to various services, emotional support, and community-based resources. In addition, staff members reporting concerns about mental health issues have access to community-based support resources. Supervisors can provide additional guidance to support staff struggling with their position. 

Anxiety is a typical response to workplace pressure or stress. Healthcare workers face more stress compared to individuals in other professions. Many unexpected and sometimes traumatic experiences take place within treatment facilities. Staff must navigate these stressors with compassion and empathy. Sometimes, the toll of chronic workplace stress or other factors causes people to develop anxiety-related mental health disorders. Panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and generalized anxiety disorder are a few of the conditions healthcare workers may experience if they have unmanaged anxiety. Driftwood Recovery offers staff members the resources and tools they need to maintain positive mental health and manage anxiety or stress related to the job. To learn more, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.