Why Is Family Therapy Part of Drug Rehab?
Family can always be there for you, but the family unit can also be pushed to its limits by addiction. Drug addiction doesn’t just affect the person abusing drugs such as meth, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, and prescription drugs; it also affects those closest to them: their family. We rely on our family for a support structure that can be integral to building a happy, fulfilling life.
Long-term drug addiction recovery can be significantly improved by having the support of your family. Still, some family relationships may be strained due to situations that drug abuse caused or because the roles formed in the family unit are not conducive to long-term recovery. The benefits of family therapy in drug rehab are many. It can be vital for long-term recovery from substance use disorder, not just for the person in recovery but for their family, too.
For more information on how our addiction treatment programs can help heal drug or alcohol dependence, please give The River Source a call at 866-294-9331.
How Family Therapy Works
Family therapy in drug rehab works by exploring the relationships in the family unit in a neutral, safe, and therapeutic environment to strengthen bonds, repair damage caused by substance abuse, and establish healthy roles that can support recovery and happiness within the family unit.
In family therapy, transgenerational patterns can be resolved. These may include misunderstandings, resentment, and estrangement that have happened over time and are likely affected by substance abuse. Family members may unknowingly hurt others and even be enabling abusive drug behavior. This and more can be resolved in the healing space of family therapy.
How Family Involvement Helps With Recovery
The benefits of family therapy in drug rehab can help a family reconnect and get on the same page regarding recovery and give each person the love and support they need to thrive. Some of the most important benefits of family therapy and how family involvement in drug addiction recovery can help include the following:
1. Helping to motivate the person in recovery
2. Education about how addiction affects the family and person addicted and what they can expect after treatment is complete
3. Giving a safe, neutral platform for family members to voice their concerns and feelings
4. Giving family members the ability to support the person in recovery in a healthy way
5. Diffusing feelings of stress, anger, fear, and confusion
6. Improves communication between family members
7. A platform to explore and treat potential mental health disorders that may be present within the family
8. Gives family members a place to work on forgiveness and acceptance
9. Resolving disputes and distrust that may be present
Healing Broken Family Relationships After Active Addiction
Family therapy, at its core, is there to help heal family relationships that may have been strained and damaged due to substance abuse. It is a treatment program that allows family units to recover along with the person in recovery so the family can once again be a source of support, love, acceptance, and pride that will be crucial for the person in recovery once their rehab program is complete. They are actively working on their addiction management.
Educating Family Members on How to Help Their Loved One
Education is one of the most powerful tools in substance use disorder recovery and also benefits the family. Family therapy can be a place where each person learns about the facts of addiction and how it has affected their loved one. By understanding the science of addiction, the family can better help their loved one in the months and years.
Reach out to The River Source today to get help for your loved one suffering from drug addiction and your family so you can all heal from the damage that addiction caused. Contact our addiction treatment center at 866-294-9331 today.
