Addiction and mental illness doesn’t just affect the person who has it – it effects all friends and loved ones, those who are close to the person. Treatment for recovery is critical, but many times friends and family need to be educated as well; in doing this, they can better assist their loved one and better maintain their own well-being. By understanding the benefits that family can add to a person’s recovery, more families can get involved and help themselves and their loved ones better understand the disease of addiction.
In a book from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration titled, Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy, family can be a source of help to the treatment process, but must also manage the consequences of their loved one’s addictive behavior. Many recovery programs offer family therapy, whose aim is to help meet the needs of all involved. Family therapy allows each person to address their concerns and hopes, and to work together to come up with creative solutions. This isn’t always the easiest task, however. Family effort in recovery requires mutual understanding, flexibility, and adjustments between the treatment provider, family therapist, and the family. Open communication is critical for family therapy to be successful.
Steven Gifford, LPC and writer for Psychology Today, notes that each family is different and should be treated as such when it comes to recovery. Each family has a different form of communication, and any unhealthy patterns of communication should be addressed before the whole family can move forward. Many counselors at treatment centers are prepared to assist families with the adjustment of recovery and how to best help themselves and their loved ones. Family meetings can benefit in the following ways:
- Help a loved one seek assistance for their addiction
- Address a loved one’s addiction
- Build the family through the addiction therapy process
- Support family members and their loved one through recovery
If you have a loved one who is in therapy for addiction, consider taking your family to family therapy. Although daunting this process is beneficial for everyone involved. Taking that first step towards understanding your loved one’s addiction may give them the strength that they need to continue in rehabilitation.
If you or a loved one has an addiction, consider our rehabilitation center at Avalon Malibu. Our world-renowned, home-like treatment center will give your loved one the time, space, and resources they need to recover. We believe in integrative treatment, meaning that your loved one will be taken care of in mind, body, and spirit. For more information, call us today at 855-392-9791.
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