Addiction takes a toll not just on the individual struggling with it, but also on their family and loved ones. It can be difficult to watch someone you care about suffer and feel helpless to do anything about it. But there is hope through addiction treatment programs.
Family therapy is one treatment option that can help address addiction within the family system. Family therapy for addiction can help family members understand and support their loved ones in recovery, as well as work through any issues that may have contributed to the addiction.
What Is
Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a type of counseling that involves all members of a family unit. It focuses on family dynamics and communication, as well as on individual family members and their roles within the family system.
The Goals and Principles of
Family Therapy
The goals of family therapy for addiction are to help the family heal from the damage caused by addiction and to learn how to support the person in recovery. Family therapy also aims to improve family interaction and ability to communicate, as well as to address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction.
The principles of family therapy are based on the belief that families are a system, and that each member of the family plays a role in that system. Family therapy also recognizes that families are often the best source of support for their loved ones in recovery and that family involvement is essential to long-term recovery.
How Does Family Therapy Work with Addiction Treatment?
Therapy sessions are typically led by a licensed therapist who has experience working with families dealing with addiction. The therapist will work with the family to identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to addiction and will help the family develop healthy coping and communication skills.
Family therapy sessions at our addiction treatment facility typically last about an hour and are held every week. We understand that families have busy schedules, so we offer a variety of family therapy times to choose from.
What are Different Techniques Used in
Family Therapy
Family therapy may use several different techniques, depending on the needs of the family. Some common techniques used in family therapy for addiction include:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps people to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors. In family therapy, CBT can be used to help family members learn how to better communicate with and support their loved ones in recovery.
Motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a type of counseling that is designed to help people explore their motivation for change. In family therapy, motivational interviewing can be used to help family members explore their motivations for supporting the person in recovery.
Solution-focused therapy: Solution-focused therapy is a type of therapy that is focused on solving problems and achieving goals. In family therapy, solution-focused therapy can be used to help family members identify solutions to problems that they are having in their relationship with their loved one’s recovery.
Family systems therapy: Family systems therapy is a type of therapy that looks at the family as a system. In family systems therapy, family members learn how to improve communication and problem-solving skills so that they can provide better support.
Narrative therapy: Narrative therapy is a type of therapy that uses stories to help people understand their lives. In family therapy, narrative therapy can be used to help family members understand the story of their loved one’s addiction and recovery.
FAR family therapy is specifically designed for families who have a loved one in recovery from addiction. FAR family therapists are trained in all of the above types of family therapy, as well as other evidence-based therapies so that they can provide each family with the best possible care.
What are the Benefits of Family Therapy?
- Improved communication and problem-solving skills within the family
- A greater understanding of addiction and its causes
- Increased empathy and support for the family member in recovery
- Reduced overall stress for those family members involved
- Address any underlying issues that may have contributed to the addiction
- Help family members heal from the effects of addiction
How Does Addiction Impact the
Whole Family?
The family is often the first to suffer from the effects of addiction. Addiction can cause families to become dysfunctional and can lead to Codependency. Codependency is when family members enable an addict by enabling their behavior or making excuses for them. This can include things like giving them money, bailing them out of jail, or lying to friends and family about their whereabouts.
Codependent family dynamics can be changed through family therapy. Family therapy can help family members understand how their behavior might be enabling the addict, as well as help the family develop healthy boundaries.
How Does Family Therapy Aim to Heal the
Family from Addiction?
Family therapy aims to heal the family from addiction by helping members communicate and understand each other better. Family therapy also teaches members how to support each other and how to develop healthy coping skills.
Addiction is often referred to as a family disease because it doesn’t just affect the addict – it affects the entire family. Addiction can cause family members to become codependent, enabling the addict’s behavior. It can also lead to financial strain, communication problems, and emotional trauma.
Family therapy can help heal the family unit by teaching healthy communication skills and setting boundaries. family therapy can also help family members understand how their behavior might be enabling the addict.
How Long Does Family Therapy Typically Last?
The length of family therapy varies depending on the family’s needs. Some families may need only a few sessions, while others may need several months of therapy. Many factors will ultimately determine the length and amount of family therapy for addiction that is necessary.
These factors include:
- History of substance abuse within the family
- Issues that developed as a result of a loved one’s substance use
- The family’s current level of functioning
- The amount of support the family has to deal with their loved one’s addiction
- How well the family members can communicate and work together
- The family’s overall goals for therapy
Everyone involved must utilize therapy sessions to the fullest. The techniques taught and the time spent with the family will help improve family dynamics for years to come. It’s only to the family’s benefit to continue attending and pursuing involvement.
Is Family Therapy Right for
My Family?
If you’re struggling with addiction, family therapy can be an effective treatment option. Family therapy can help you and your family members better understand addiction and its effects on the family. Family therapy can also help family members develop skills and support each other through recovery.
Learn More About Family Therapy at FAR!
At our North Carolina addiction treatment facility, we offer family therapy as part of our comprehensive treatment programs. Our family therapists are experienced in working with families affected by addiction and can help your family heal from the damage that addiction has caused.
If you are seeking family therapy for addiction, please contact our North Carolina Addiction Treatment Facility today. We offer a variety of different therapy options that can help you and your family heal from addiction.
