Getting someone you care about to deal with their substance use disorder can be a frustrating experience. You may feel torn about whether your efforts are helping or drifting into enablement. You’ve likely even experienced fear over bringing up the idea of addiction therapy. Arkview Recovery knows how hard it can be on families with no idea of what to do next. Family therapy for addiction is one way we can help you manage the effects of these difficult circumstances.
At Arkview Recovery, our family therapy program takes into account the needs of not just the person experiencing an addiction but their family members as well. For more information, contact Arkview Recovery at 717.744.0756.
Family Therapy for Addiction Recovery
There’s no right way to offer loving support to someone with substance use disorder. What works for one family may not have the same impact on another. Still, we do know that family therapy with an expert counselor can help you manage the complicated dynamics that exist between the members of your family.
A therapist is an objective mediator who can effectively address long-simmering issues and keep conversations from veering into places that lead to breakdowns in communication or are ultimately unproductive.
It’s incredibly challenging work, but individual family members must find positive ways of dealing with conflicts that may be caused by or exacerbated by a loved one’s substance misuse. Therapy can provide the mental space needed to do exactly that, and to offer family support to the loved one struggling with addiction.
How Important Is Family Support During Recovery?
Once your loved one has admitted to the reality of their substance use disorder, the next step of enrolling in a treatment program is equally as difficult. Beginning treatment is an intimidating thought for most people, so knowing that family is behind you and cheering you on is of the utmost importance. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating how motivating your support can be.
That motivation is why we at Arkview believe in involving family in the treatment process. Family support can encourage patients to stick with a program and emerge stronger and more ready for the world outside. It’s also a chance to ensure the family has the resources needed to help them cope with their struggles.
One way to offer this support is through family therapy.
What to Expect in a Family Therapy Program
Family therapy in the context of addiction recovery involves structured therapeutic sessions that include the individual in recovery and their family members. The goal is to address and heal the relational dynamics that may have been affected by addiction. Here are some key components:
- Communication improvement – Enhance the way your family communicates with each other to foster understanding and support.
- Conflict resolution – Learn strategies to resolve conflicts in a healthy and constructive manner.
- Education – Understand addiction and its impact on the family unit.
- Support system – Be a strong support system for the individual in recovery, ensuring they have a network to rely on.
- Emotional healing – Address emotional wounds and traumas that may have been caused or exacerbated by addiction.
- Setting boundaries – Help family members set and respect healthy boundaries.
As a family member, committing to a family therapy program is a gift that you can give not only to the person doing the hard work of recovery but to yourself. At Arkview Recovery, we’re dedicated to making sure our patients, therapists, and loved ones recognize the importance of family support.
Additional Ways to Support Your Family Member
There may be reasons that you can’t commit to a regular cadence of family therapy. If that’s the case, there are still other things you can do to show that you support someone in recovery. Some of the ways you can show up for them without going to therapy are:
- Frequent visits
- Communicate consistently through phone calls
- Educate yourself about the recovery process
- Find sober activities that you and your loved one will enjoy together
Though family therapy for addiction is quite important, we recognize that there are reasons why you may not be able to participate. Figuring out alternative ways to offer your support during this time is essential to your loved one’s long-term success.
Family Support During the Post-Treatment Phase
Family therapy for addiction recovery will help prepare you for life after rehab. Your loved one may feel vulnerable when they first exit a program. It can be disorienting to go from a temptation-free environment to being back in the outside world where they have access to the things they were sheltered from while in treatment.
Remember that the work isn’t over when someone completes a rehab program. Consider continuing with family therapy to help yourself and your family members manage the new dynamics of living with a newly sober loved one. Continuing with family therapy can also help you manage any tendencies to revert to your old way of communicating that might prove detrimental to your loved one.
Adjusting to a new life, even if it’s someone else’s, can be difficult. For instance, when you love someone who is now sober, you have to make changes in yourself. Though change isn’t easy, continued family support and a healthier home environment can benefit the entire family in the long run.
Begin Family Therapy for Addiction Today at Arkview Recovery
If you are concerned about a family member’s addiction, we can help. At Arkview Recovery, our team believes in the importance of family support while a loved one is in an addiction treatment program. We offer family therapy for addiction recovery and other therapy options to fit the unique needs of everyone in our care. Call 717.744.0756 today to schedule a consultation, or use our online contact form.
