Drug and alcohol addictions are complex conditions with deep roots. It can be challenging to overcome addiction. However, getting holistic treatment and ongoing support can help people work toward lifelong recovery.
Family therapy is a fundamental part of holistic addiction treatment. Individuals and family members can benefit from participating in family therapy throughout the recovery journey. This article will explore the benefits of family therapy in addiction treatment.
What you will learn:
- What to expect from family therapy
- Different types of family therapy
- The benefits of family therapy in addiction recovery
- How to incorporate family therapy in an addiction treatment program and beyond
- Where to find addiction treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with addiction, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Alamo Behavioral Health to learn about our comprehensive programs. You may also schedule an intake appointment.
What is Family Therapy?
Addiction and untreated mental health conditions can significantly impact the entire family unit. When one member of a family lives with addiction or mental health conditions, it affects everyone. The entire family system feels the effects of their loved one’s substance abuse.
When one family member is addicted, entire families may develop problematic behaviors. They may experience communication breakdowns or have other issues that affect functioning. Family therapy can help people address these issues and learn how to solve problems more effectively.
Family therapy is a treatment approach that can help family members work together to solve problems. During family therapy sessions, family members work with family therapists to address problematic family dynamics, improve communication, and develop strategies to boost family functioning.
There are several types of family therapy that may benefit people living with addiction. These include:
- Marriage and couples counseling
- Strategic family therapy
- Functional family therapy (FFT)
- Systemic family therapy
These types of family counseling can support families through challenges, including substance abuse and addiction. These therapies can help people identify and correct harmful family behaviors. People learn how to work toward better long-term health as a family unit.
What are the Benefits of Family Therapy?
Family therapy can benefit families struggling with substance abuse, grief, trauma, or other significant challenges. Using family therapy in an addiction treatment plan can help family systems overcome addiction. Family members commit to working together toward a healthier future.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of family therapy in addiction treatment.
Better communication
Working with a therapist can help families learn to communicate more effectively. People learn how to express their boundaries, needs, and concerns in healthy ways. Families also learn how to listen to one another, which can reduce tension and stress within relationships.
Recognizing and changing patterns
People in a family system can repeat familiar patterns, even when they are destructive. Working with a licensed mental health provider can help people identify and change unhealthy patterns of communication and behaviors.
Processing emotions
It can be challenging for family members to express or process emotions surrounding their loved one’s addiction. Family therapy creates a safe place for people to share their feelings and learn how to manage them more effectively.
Learning to set boundaries
Learning how to set healthy boundaries is an essential aspect of family therapy. During therapy, people learn to identify and communicate their personal boundaries. Learning how to do this effectively can create a healthier environment for each person. It can also reduce enabling behaviors.
Family therapy can help family members get on the same page about their loved one’s addiction. Together, families learn about addiction as a disease and develop healthy coping strategies.
Research shows that people with good family support have better outcomes in recovery. Family therapy can be critical to a person’s long-term recovery journey.
Using Family Therapy in Addiction Treatment and Recovery
People may participate in family therapy as part of their addiction treatment plan. Or, they may participate in family counseling at any stage of their recovery.
Comprehensive treatment plans include a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies, including:
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Mental health treatment
- Medication management
- Behavioral therapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention education
- Coping skills development and practice
- Holistic therapies, including art therapy, nutrition support, mindfulness, and more
- Aftercare planning and support
People may receive treatment in an inpatient setting. They may also attend outpatient programs, including partial care or intensive outpatient programs. Families may attend therapy sessions while their loved one is receiving residential treatment or during an outpatient program.
Each person’s recovery journey is unique. The treatment team will determine if family therapy is appropriate and when it would be most beneficial.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love lives with substance use disorder (SUD), you are not alone. Find the compassionate, effective treatment you need at Alamo Behavioral Health.
Reach out to our intake specialists to explore our treatment programs. You may also find support at any stage of your recovery. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment today.
