When someone struggles with a substance use disorder, it affects everyone else in the family. A good addiction treatment program encourages family involvement in the recovery process.
Involving the family in recovery can help members build self-confidence and learn new coping skills. It can also reduce the risk of relapse.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is one of the most basic forms of family support in alcohol and drug addiction treatment. It provides a safe, supportive, and confidential environment where families can learn new skills to improve their relationships.
To assist family members in solving issues and achieving their objectives, therapists at Pinnacle Recovery Center employ various strategies. These include group therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and behavioral therapy.
For example, behavioral techniques may focus on coping skills, conflict resolution, and codependency education. The therapist might also use psychodynamic methods to help family members develop new insights into their communication patterns.
Family therapy has decreased the chance of relapse in people with substance abuse issues. It can also promote positive behavior changes and long-term recovery.
Family Support Groups
Attending family support groups is one of the most efficient ways to assist a loved one in receiving treatment. These meetings allow family members to share their stories and experiences with others also dealing with addiction.
Moreover, family support groups help to create an environment where family members can learn to cope with their loved one’s addiction without becoming enabling. They can also get more information about local resources and community support while sharing their experience and strength with other families in similar situations.
These meetings can be organized in hospitals, offices, homes, and online. They can be conducted as a live video session, where new participants can introduce themselves and their family members to others in the group.
Family Visits
Visiting someone under treatment for alcohol or drug addiction is one of the best ways to assist them. It can help to build trust, reduce anxiety and encourage the person in rehab to stay in treatment.
Family visits are an essential part of the healing process for everyone involved. Research shows that when families are included in a rehab program, the chances of recovery for the individual increase.
However, the rules for family visits vary from facility to facility. Make sure you read the policies before visiting.
Family Education
Addiction is a disease that affects the entire family. It can affect a person’s physical and emotional health, workability, and relationships with other family members.
Addiction treatment should include a thorough family education. It will help family members understand what their loved one is going through, how to support them in recovery best, and how to prevent relapses.
In addition, family education can help them identify and avoid maladaptive patterns that contribute to substance abuse.
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence states that recovery should be a family affair and that family members should be involved in recovering a loved one.
Family education may consist of learning more about addiction, counseling, therapy, and other treatment options for the person with substance use problems. It may also involve attending family meetings and support groups, visiting the person in recovery, or participating in other activities that will help strengthen the family’s bond.