Addiction is a complex condition that affects every part of a person’s life. The effects of addiction can ripple outward, affecting the person’s family, friends, and community. Meaningful addiction recovery requires comprehensive treatment for a person’s body, mind, and relationships.
Family support is an essential aspect of addiction recovery. When family members learn about addiction, find support, and stay involved, real change can happen. Family therapy is a core aspect of comprehensive addiction treatment programs.
This article will explore the benefits of family therapy in addiction recovery. You will learn:
- How addiction affects family systems
- The benefits of family therapy in addiction treatment
- How family therapy fits into rehab and recovery
- Where to find comprehensive treatment and support
If you or a family member lives with substance use disorder (SUD) or mental health conditions, you are not alone. Contact The Living Room specialists to learn about functional family therapy programs in substance abuse treatment.
How Does Addiction Impact Families?
When one member of a family lives with addiction, all members feel its impact. Addiction can affect family dynamics in many ways. It can cause people to act in unpredictable, often destructive ways.
When a family member has an addiction, other people within the family may respond by developing unhealthy coping mechanisms. They may take on roles that harm their mental health.
Generally, addiction can lead to instability and uncertainty. Family functioning suffers, and people may feel isolated, ashamed, or angry.
Strategic family therapy in recovery can help the family unit identify problems, improve communication, and work toward healthier functioning together. One of the primary goals of family therapy is to create a healthier environment for all family members. A healthier environment may lead to better outcomes for the addicted person and all other family members.
6 Benefits of Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Family therapy involves working with a mental health professional (typically a family therapist) who can guide families toward healthier relationships and better functioning.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of family therapy in addiction recovery.
Identifying patterns
Families often get “stuck” in patterns of relating to one another. People in a family may take on roles to protect themselves in an uncertain or challenging situation. Family therapy can help people identify roles and patterns and then work to change them.
Improving communication
One of the primary goals of family therapy includes working toward better communication. Family members learn how to express their needs, wants, and boundaries more clearly. They also learn how to respond more effectively to each other. Improved communication can reduce tension and protect each person’s rights.
Learning about addiction
Psychoeducation is a type of therapy that is common in family therapy sessions. Psychoeducation means learning about addiction and recovery. During family therapy sessions, families will learn about addiction as a family disease. They will come away with a better understanding of addiction, treatment, and recovery.
Processing emotions
Addiction can be a highly emotional subject. People may have deep feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, and more. Various types of family therapy focus on helping people express and process their emotions. The therapeutic process creates a safe, supportive space for people to discuss feelings and learn how to manage them.
Setting healthy boundaries
Boundaries are essential for anyone with an addicted loved one. Boundaries protect people’s thoughts, feelings, and values. They determine what behaviors a person will accept.
During therapy, family members work with a licensed mental health professional to identify enabling behaviors and determine boundaries. People learn how to express their boundaries firmly and stick to them.
Committing to a plan
Addiction can change family dynamics and make relationships unstable or chaotic. When families work together to identify and change problems, meaningful change can occur. Families can learn the same information, communicate their needs, and come up with healthy strategies together. All members commit to the plan they created together and can move forward as a family unit.
Family therapy can be beneficial to all members of the family. However, it only works when people are committed to the process. Family members who are in treatment for their own substance use disorder (SUD) or people who aren’t committed to the process should not participate.
Family Therapy in Addiction Recovery: When to Use It
Families may participate in family therapy during their loved one’s time in rehab. They may also participate in family therapy sessions as part of an aftercare plan.
In some cases, people with addiction require a medically supervised detox program before beginning comprehensive treatment. Family therapy sessions are most likely to occur after the addicted person is stable and capable of participating in mental health treatment.
Find Support Now
If you or someone you love lives with substance abuse or addiction, you are not alone. Family therapy can help your loved ones learn about addiction, develop healthy coping strategies, and work toward a healthier future together. Contact The Living Room specialists to explore our holistic addiction treatment and support programs.