When you’re in the thick of an alcohol or drug addiction, it can be difficult to see how it affects those closest to you. While your addiction will try convincing you that you’re alone with no one to support you, your family actually plays an important role in your journey to recovery.
Addiction is considered a family disease, as your substance abuse has a ripple effect throughout the lives of all your loved ones and friends. Long-term recovery requires a solid support system to help you live a sober lifestyle. This requires family therapy to help your entire family system heal from the damage substance abuse has caused.
What is Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment?
Family therapy in addiction treatment is a safe space for loved ones to learn about substance abuse and for you and your family to work through relationship struggles together. Your therapist will help determine when you’re ready for family members to join you in therapy sessions. When that time comes, your therapist will ensure you and your loved ones communicate with each other openly and work through the heartache and pain caused by addiction.
It’s common in family therapy for you to sit down with your loved ones one at a time before meeting with the entire family. That way, therapists can take a close look at each of your family relationships and offer advice on how you can make positive changes.
The Benefits of Family Therapy During Your Addiction Treatment
Your loved ones can’t walk the entire addiction treatment journey with you, but they are a significant part of making your recovery successful. Without healing your relationships and addressing the rifts in your family caused by addiction, it may be harder to maintain your recovery following rehab.
As you’re searching for an addiction treatment center, be sure to find one that offers family therapy. Family therapy offers many benefits, including the following:
- You’ll be more engaged and motivated during treatment, knowing your family is there to support you.
- Your loved ones will feel heard, as they’ll be able to talk to you honestly about how addiction has affected them.
- Your loved ones can develop skills and strategies that can help you stay sober during your recovery.
- You and your family will be able to improve communication skills with each other, making it less likely to develop feelings of resentment and stress.
- Your loved ones will have the chance to develop their own coping skills for any stress or anxiety they have been feeling.
The overarching theme of family therapy in addiction treatment is to help your loved ones get more involved in your recovery. Having your family in your support system during recovery can greatly reduce your risk of relapse.
What to Expect During Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Family Involvement Will Be Gradual
It’s natural to not want your family to be involved in your addiction treatment at first. That’s why family therapy doesn’t start immediately. Instead, your treatment plan will be solely focused on addressing your needs until you’re ready to face how your addiction has impacted your relationships. Involving your family will be a gradual process and will be included in your treatment plan as much or as little as you’re comfortable with.
Development of New Skills and Habits
Your family therapist will help you and your loved ones learn new skills that can improve your home environment. Be ready to talk about how you and your family communicate and act around one another. Like many other forms of therapy, you and your family will be expected to work on these coping skills both on your own and together.
Everyone Will Participate in Goal Setting
During family therapy in addiction treatment, everyone will set personal goals for the future. For example, your parents might work towards being more supportive during your recovery and limiting any enabling behavior. As your treatment progress, the family therapist will review everyone’s progress to help you and your loved ones stay on track.
Find Expert Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment at Footprints Beachside Recovery
If you’re struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, know that you have the potential to break free. Footprints Beachside Recovery is a family-run addiction rehab center dedicated to helping you reach lasting recovery.
We believe that your family plays a crucial role in your recovery. That’s why our family therapy is a large part of what our addiction treatment is known for. It’s all part of our holistic approach to addiction treatment.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our admissions team to learn more about our approach to family therapy and addiction treatment.
