The Role of Family Therapy in the Recovery Process

Family Therapy for Addiction Treatment: Sounds like a long shot? No. It is a powerful tool. Recovery is a complex process that relies, not just on the individual, but also family and friends.

The power of the family network can not be underestimated and with family therapy for addiction treatment, recovery becomes achievable. Addiction is a very serious illness which develops over time. Usually it is aided by poor communication within a family setting, a lack of boundaries and high expressed emotions.

When the whole family is involved in recovery, therapy can address the underlying issues, rebuild trust and create an environment that sustains healing.

Here at Find Me a Rehab we provide 24 Hour Rehab Advice. Our expert addictions clinicians are here to give free, independent and confidential advice to anyone. You could be a family member, friend or relative of someone caught up in addiction: It matters not.

Why is Family Therapy Important in Addiction Treatment?

Involving the family plays a vital role in recovery as it can offer a foundation of education, support, as well as offering a space where lines of communication can be opened up. With family therapy that focuses on treating addiction, family relationships can be repaired and a nurturing environment can replace the chaos that contributed to addiction.

Addiction is a disease. It is only when this is understood by the family that those who are part of the recovering addicts support network can be adequately equipped to support their loved ones with compassion but with appropriate boundaries.

When family members understand the treatment plan they can provide appropriate support to their loved one. With the right support, through specialized family therapy, a person in recovery will be able to increase their chances of maintaining sobriety, boost their self-confidence and increase the chances of long-term sobriety.

When someone in a family is caught up in addiction, it will have an adverse effect on those around them. It is not unusual for family members to experience distress, to feel guilty, harbor thoughts of anger or even feel helpless.

Family therapy provides education as well as helps to process emotions in a more constructive manner. Where the family network is supportive, sets appropriate boundaries and fosters an environment of understanding, from a place of knowledge, recovery becomes more attainable with family therapy specifically for addiction treatment.

Here at Find Me a Rehab we provide 24 Hour Rehab Advice. Our expert addictions clinicians are here to give free, independent and confidential advice to anyone. You could be a family member, friend or relative of someone caught up in addiction: It matters not.

Family therapy is an umbrella term for various different models of treatment. Some therapists will use one model, others will use eclectic approaches.

With the contribution of the family in addiction treatment, early signs of relapse can be identified. Family members will learn how to listen, provide appropriate emotional support, and how to set appropriate boundaries. In addiction, trust is often destroyed in family relationships. Family therapy can go a long way to enhance relationships and re-establish trust. Healthy routines can be forged.

How does family therapy support trauma recovery and mental health?

Addiction is often the result of trauma. Family therapy can play a vital role in supporting a family member who has experienced trauma and go a long way to support the person’s mental well-being. When utilized, family therapy can really help to put a scaffold over the fabric of the family dynamic.

Sessions allow family members to vent, to share their concerns, their anger, and frustration as well as their hopes. No one will be judged. The sense of openness is there to ignite empathy, understanding, and to forge a new path. Trauma can make someone hyper-vigilant, numb emotions, and create an environment where the person in addiction avoids situations involving family.

An experienced family therapist uses their skills to work with family members to resolve conflicts that have come about from trauma. Communication barriers are broken down and more positive family roles are established.

New skills are learned: How to cope with someone in addiction, regulating emotions and a strong emphasis on solving problems. All this will increase resilience. One of the core concepts of family therapy is to form the family into a healing circle that not only provides appropriate and boundaried support for the person caught up in addiction but also stops trauma from being transmitted across different generations.

This is especially true in therapy for addiction treatment, where the involvement of the family is crucial.

Family therapy can include role play, supported discussions as well as psycho-education. It is not about blame but rather to explore the role that everyone in the family has made and can make, moving forward.

Here at Find Me a Rehab we provide 24 Hour Rehab Advice. Our expert addictions clinicians are here to give free, independent and confidential advice to anyone. You could be a family member, friend or relative of someone caught up in addiction: It matters not.

C

Recent Posts