Addiction is often referred to as a family disease because it affects more than just you–it also affects the people who love you the most. Mothers and fathers may spend endless nights lying awake worrying about their addicted child. Younger siblings may feel as though their childhood was stolen from them because all of the attention was on their older sibling’s addiction. Older siblings, on the other hand, may take on roles that assume way more responsibilities than they should take on, simply to make up for the slack of their addicted younger sibling.
These are only a few examples of the way addiction affects families. It can also destroy trust, hurt the family’s financial health, and wreak havoc in the home. It can cause family members to adopt unhealthy behaviors when all they are trying to do is cope and help their addicted loved one.
No matter how your addiction has affected your family, Arise Treatment Center can help. Our unique family therapy program provides you and your family a safe place to heal, recover, and come together as one loving family unit.
Why is Family Therapy Important to Addiction Recovery?
Family therapy sessions aim to resolve issues within the family unit as well as address unhealthy transgenerational patterns among family members. Facing these issues head-on, while under the supervision and guidance of a compassionate professional, can help restore balance and functionality to you and your family members’ relationships.
This is especially important during addiction treatment because family involvement during the recovery process can greatly improve your ability to stay sober. People in rehab and early recovery are more likely to be motivated to complete treatment, stick to their recovery program, and stay sober in the future if they have the love and support of their family members behind them.
Family therapy benefits more than just the addicted individual, though it can also provide family members with a safe place to express their concerns, talk about their emotions, and heal from the far-reaching effects of substance abuse and addiction.
Lastly, inviting your family to participate in therapy with you can be an integral part of your recovery. Therapy sessions for the family can educate family members on how to best support your needs in sobriety.
What to Expect During Family Therapy
Family therapy sessions can involve a therapist, you, and your family or a larger group made up of multiple families who are struggling with similar circumstances.
Single-family therapy allows your therapist to discuss the specific issues that are weighing on your family so everyone can work through them, develop healthy communication skills, and make a plan for smooth functioning in the future.
Multi-family therapy allows you and your family members to discuss issues with other like-minded families. This approach shows family members that they are not alone and that there is hope for recovery.
Family therapy sessions may discuss a wide variety of topics depending on the circumstances your family is struggling with. Examples of themes that may be discussed include:
- Substance abuse
- Addiction stigma
- Mental health
- Conflict resolution
- Healthy communication
- Boundaries
- Codependency
- Trauma
- Grief
- Infidelity
- Marital strain
- Children/parenting
- Financial issues
- Honesty
- Relationship dynamics
- Domestic violence
- Responsibilities in the home
- Improved family functioning
Benefits of Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Family therapy is one of the most powerful addiction treatment therapies because it has the opportunity to transform your recovery and bring you closer to those you love. A few key benefits of family therapy include:
- Educating the entire family on the disease of addiction and what it takes to recover
- Bringing awareness to dynamics within the family unit to pave the way for conflict resolution
- Improving communication skills so conflicts can be resolved peacefully
- Re-establishing trust among family members
- Having the opportunity to express feelings in a safe, structured setting
- Learning how to set healthy boundaries
- Teaching family members about support resources that are available to them
Regardless of your family’s unique situation, family therapy can help you work through a wide range of issues so you can establish healthier, happier relationships between you and each of your family members.
Arise Treatment Center: A Place For Your Entire Family to Heal
With a team of passionate professionals who are dedicated to helping those struggling with substance abuse, Arise Treatment Center’s primary goal is to provide exceptional, long-term wellness for our clients as well as their families. That’s why our addiction treatment program includes family therapy–to give your whole family the opportunity to heal.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. An admissions specialist is available at all hours of the day to take your call, verify your insurance, and help you begin your recovery journey.
