Addiction services for families usually consist of a family therapy program. Sometimes, a rehab facility may also recommend that family members of their clients attend support group meetings where they can talk about their experiences relating to their loved one’s addiction with peers.
Family therapy involves a therapist and family members exploring how to improve communication and resolve family conflict and dysfunction. In fact, expressing and processing feelings in family therapy improves relationship health and develops stronger family dynamics. Addiction is not only a chronic disease but also a family disease. Providing family support can be an integral part of addiction recovery.
If you’re searching for a family therapy program in Florida, reach out to Coalition Recovery today. Call 888.707.2873 or contact our team online.
What Is Family Counseling?
Family therapy, sometimes also called family counseling or family services, is a type of psychotherapy that involves helping family members improve their communication and conflict resolution skills.
Family therapy sessions are usually guided by a clinical social worker, a licensed therapist, or a psychologist. A family therapy program is often a short-term one and may include all family members or only those willing to participate.
While the separate mental health quality and life difficulties of each family member can be explored, the focus of family therapy is to solve family-related and not individual problems. However, a therapist can recommend professional one-on-one mental health treatment for family members other than the client struggling with addiction.
What Is the Connection Between Family Therapy and Addiction Treatment?
Addiction services for families include family therapy because a safe, secure, and supportive home environment is ideal for addiction recovery. If household members are working through generational trauma or conflict or have any other family communication issues that cause estrangements, misunderstandings, and resentments, overcoming addiction can be difficult to focus on. Family therapy can focus on topics such as the following:
- Caregiving
- Communication problems
- Domestic violence
- Financial problems
- Grief
- Health concerns
- Infidelity
- Legal problems
- LGBTQIA+ challenges
- Marital strain
- Parenting
- Substance abuse
- Trauma
As mentioned earlier, addiction is a family disease. Family members can unknowingly hurt each other and cause the development of a substance use disorder (SUD). They can also play a vital role in helping their loved one recover from addiction. A primary goal of family therapy is to ensure the latter, while also resolving past conflicts.
Family therapy sessions can be especially helpful for families affected by addiction. Sharing difficult emotions — such as anger, disappointment, guilt, fear, shame, stress, and frustration — in a safe and secure therapeutic environment can prove to be transformational for family members and clients struggling with addiction.
When Should You Consider a Family Therapy Program?
Most addiction treatment programs already include family therapy in their components. If you or someone you care about is already admitted into a rehab program, you’ll likely undergo family therapy. If you’d like to avail of family services at a rehab facility without undergoing addiction treatment, you may have to make sure that they offer it outside of their rehab programs.
However, you and your family may consider a family therapy program even if none of you are struggling with addiction. You can talk to a mental health professional you trust or someone at a mental health center about program recommendations. If you think that family issues are bogging down your household — if everyone’s stuck in a rut or avoiding communicating — you should definitely consider family therapy or at least a professional assessment.
Ready To Learn More About Coalition Recovery’s Family Counseling Program?
If you’re looking for a family therapy program in Florida, contact Coalition Recovery today. Reach out to our team online or call 888.707.2873.
