Substance abuse and alcohol addiction not only affects the individual struggling with substance abuse but also has consequences for their family members, eroding trust and straining relationships. Spouses, children, parents, and even siblings, friends and extended family feel the effect of their once loving relationship now filled with dishonesty, selfishness and other negative traits.
At Care Addiction, we believe addiction is a family disease and we need to treat it in a holistic therapeutic approach. When a loved one is battling addiction, family members and supportive friends are encouraged to participate in family therapy and assist on the road to recovery.
Research suggests that family involvement in the recovery process increases a patient’s potential for recovery.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy for addiction focuses on addressing the impact of addiction on the entire family system. It is a small group centered lecture that allows patients' support system to understand ways they can help rather than enable their loved one.
Who Needs Family Therapy?
Family therapy can be beneficial for family members and friends of an individual struggling with addiction, whether they are currently in recovery or not.
Who benefits?
Family members such as spouses, partners, parents, or siblings
Children and teenagers who have a family member with addiction
Blended families such as step-parents, step-siblings, or other family members
Family systems or whole families seeking to heal and grow together
What Do You Learn In Family Therapy?
Often, family therapy is a crucial part of addiction treatment programs, because of the vital role that family involvement and support plays in recovery. Family members are encouraged to:
Learn more about the disease of addiction
Ask questions
Role play different events and receive feedback
Family therapy for addiction has a number of goals:
Education
Individuals and families are educated about addiction, its causes, and its effects. Family members are able to develop a better understanding of addiction dynamics and become more empathetic and informed.
Communication and Boundaries
During family therapy, members are helped to express their concerns, emotions, and needs in an effective manner. By setting and maintaining boundaries, a supportive and safe environment for recovery can be established.
Codependency
Family therapy addresses codependent behaviors, allowing family members to recognize and change patterns of enabling, rescuing, or encouraging addictive behaviors.
Family Roles
Addiction often creates new dysfunctional roles within families, including enablers, heroes, scapegoats, and the lost child. Family therapy helps identify and restructure these roles to promote healthier family functioning.
Resolving Conflict
There may be conflicts and ruptures within the family as a result of addiction. Family therapy facilitates open communication, conflict resolution, and the rebuilding of family trust.
Support and Coping
Family members are encouraged to express their emotions, frustrations, and fears. Family therapy offers emotional support, coping strategies, and resources to help navigate the challenges.
Relapse Prevention
Family therapy encourages family members to be involved in the relapse prevention plan and helps them understand warning signs, triggers, and strategies to support the recovering individual.
Getting Help For Addiction
If you or somebody in your life seems to have an issue with alcohol or drug addiction, professional help may be the best option to help continue on the road to recovery.
At Care Addiction Center, we offer treatment plans that address every facet of your addiction, serving individuals in Geneva, Batavia, Sycamore, St. Charles, and Kane County, with online addiction treatment available anywhere in Illinois.
To get started on the road to recovery, or if you have questions about helping yourself or a loved one, call us today or schedule a confidential assessment online and begin treatment.