Many experts in treating substance use disorders say that addiction is a disease that affects the whole family. Even if only one family member abuses drugs or alcohol, the rest of the family also plays a part in the recovery process. Traumas and problems of the past must be healed; otherwise, they will continue to cause trouble in the present. Family therapy is a process that can benefit the individual currently seeking addiction treatment and family members.
There are some who might feel resistant to participating in therapy for various reasons. However, family therapy’s vital role in the recovery process cannot be overstated. All family members should participate to the best of their ability to heal from addiction, whether their own or someone else’s. As a result, Liberty Health Services is pleased to provide family therapy and other therapy programs to our clients.
Why Family Therapy Should Be Central to an Addiction Treatment Program
There are many reasons that a person’s family is critically important to their recovery process. It is difficult to understand how best to treat a client seeking help for substance abuse or addiction without understanding their background and family relationships. Usually, at the point that someone reaches out for professional help with their addiction, it has been going on for some time.
During the period of active addiction, personal and familial relationships can be strained to the breaking point. This is part of the disease process of addiction, in which the person using drugs or drinking becomes increasingly unable to manage their life. Relatives often have a difficult time knowing what to do or how to help their loved one.
Since addiction can have a genetic component, some families might have more than one member who has struggled with addiction or even more than one member in active addiction. The members who are using drugs or drinking need help, but so do the members not using drugs or drinking. Building a new, healthier family dynamic should involve a strong knowledge about addiction as a disease can heal past hurts and prevent new traumas from developing.
What Is Family Therapy and How Does It Work?
There are many activities and types of therapeutic methods that our team may use during the course of family therapy. Some of these options include:
- One-on-one therapy with individual family members
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying and retraining negative or unhelpful thought patterns
- Role-playing
- Building new and healthier communication skills
- Identifying and discussing aspects of family dynamics
Each of these methods has the goal of helping clients and their family members understand themselves and their family members. They’ll also gain a new perspective on family dynamics. In addition, they can learn how to communicate with one another in a healthy way.
Why Is Family Involvement So Important in Addiction Treatment?
Family relationships can be strained and broken through the disease process of addiction. In order to help the client or other family members who are pursuing recovery from addiction, the family must begin healing. People in recovery need the support of family, friends, loved ones, and the community. This support is most effective when all involved are acting from a place of health and a firm understanding of addiction.
Seek Support at Liberty Health Services
If you are experiencing addiction and need help, reach out to a drug or alcohol addiction treatment center near you. At Liberty Health Services, our professional care staff can advise you about the next steps to take to begin healing. Recovery from addiction is possible, and you can start your journey back to wellness and sobriety today. Contact us today at 855.959.4521.
