What is Family Therapy for Addiction Like?

Family therapy for addiction is a set of therapeutic approaches that attempt to use their strengths and resources to help them live without drugs or alcohol. It also seeks to reduce the harm of addiction on both the substance abuser and their family. [1]

Additional issues may also be addressed in treatment, such as parenting skills, abuse, depression, family conflict, and unemployment. [2]

In addiction treatment, family therapy often takes the form of education. Allowing family members to ask questions and begin a dialogue can in itself be healing.

Family therapy for addiction interventions may include:

• Discussing family roles
• Identifying ways to improve communication and rebuild trust
• Learning what helps and what is harmful
• Identifying ways to interact that respect the needs of everyone involved

Most family therapists have adopted the views of substance abuse as a symptom of dysfunction. Family therapy is based on the view that a family is a different system, and each person affects how it functions.

The entire system suffers when one person (in this case, a person receiving substance abuse treatment) is functioning at an impaired level. In addition, those who are not addicted to substances may discover that their behavior is dysfunctional because of the efforts required to support a flawed system.

The Importance Of Family Therapy for Addiction. Breaking The Cycle Of Addiction.

Addiction affects the entire family, and some family members may take on specific roles (enabler, overachiever) as a way to cope. Family therapy for addiction can help to repair damaged relationships and teach family members healthy coping skills. When there is an addict in the family, the focus is on getting that person’s help. The truth is that the whole family has been broken, and everyone needs help. Addiction is a family disease, and no truer words have been spoken. Addiction’s effects on family members are significant and can cause severe dysfunction in how a family communicates and interacts with each other.

In some families, one person will try to become an overachiever to distract attention from the addict. Still, some can become defiant in other families to divert attention away from the family by acting out. They do this because they are angry and hostile. Eventually, these individuals will become filled with feelings of loneliness, anger, and emptiness and can often turn to drugs and alcohol themselves to try to cover these feelings up. 

For the addict to fully recover from substance abuse, the family must also undergo treatment. Family therapy programs help addicts and their family by providing much-needed education on the disease of addiction. It is crucial to success that every member of the family understand which role they took and why. These programs offer strong support to all family members and provide the necessary tools to empower each member.

Benefits Of Family Therapy For Addiction

Some Benefits Gained By People In Treatment And Their Families Are:

Types of family therapy for addiction

Therapy styles and formats often differ for adults. Therefore, it should decide treatment based on the specific needs of the person and the family. It is essential to determine the appropriateness and level of involvement of family members. Everyone must feel safe and able to voice their feelings and opinions without fear of retribution. Some types of family therapy that might be used in substance abuse treatment include[1]:

The Role Of Family In Addiction Treatment

Family therapy for addiction is employed in substance abuse treatment settings, and it is effective for adults [1][2]. In addition, therapy that involves a person’s support network can be necessary for recovery, especially for young adults.

Family therapy for addiction programs

Most inpatient treatment centers offer a family component. Treatment settings where family therapy may occur include:

• Residential Or Inpatient Treatment: Most inpatient treatment centers offer a family component. This may consist of appointments or multiple weekends and is determined and negotiated by staff with the user’s involvement. Therapists will usually meet with family members alone and then with the user and their family for multiple sessions. The focus can be on couples and entire families.

• Outpatient Recovery Programs: are offered for both adults and adolescents who are either stepping down from residential treatment or for whom residential treatment may not be immediately necessary. Group sessions focus on the user and have a regular family group component where all group members and their families meet together with a facilitator. When working with adolescents, it is best to find an age-appropriate group. These groups are educational but can provide insight into areas where the family may want to work more deeply with an individual therapist.

• Individual Marriage And Family Therapy: In a private setting, a user may choose to work with a marriage and family therapist who has experience with substance abuse. These providers have different styles and focus, and it is essential to ask questions upfront and determine if they offer what you want. Develop a list of questions about the things that are important to discuss in addition to substance abuse. These may include saving a marriage, helping a child deal with divorce, physical abuse; financial issues, blended families; incest; and grief.

How It Works

• Goals: The primary goal of family therapy is to improve or initiate communication. Once this process begins, it is up to each member to decide how much they are willing to continue working on it. Another goal is to improve the home environment to be a safe place for the user and their family.

• The Setting, Frequency, And Duration: Therapy may be held at a treatment center, outpatient, or a therapist’s private office. The program and your schedule will determine the frequency and length of sessions. A therapy session usually lasts an hour. Outpatient sessions typically last 3 hours and will meet over a set period of weeks. Family components in treatment centers often include group sessions and shorter therapy sessions, and beneficial leisure activities.

• Therapists: A therapist or facilitator will generally solicit input from everyone involved and keep things focused. It is essential to have a trained and neutral moderator.

• Participants: Anyone deemed beneficial or essential to a person’s recovery may participate. This can include a spouse, children, parents, extended family members, or even close friends like family.

• Typical Session: All sessions will vary. There is usually a check-in when everyone will be introduced in a group setting, where other people and their families are present. In a therapist’s office, the family group meets with one another and the therapist. These sessions may be more focused on individuals in the group, with the therapist setting the tone.

Benefits of family therapy for addiction. Effectiveness of family therapy for addiction.

Research about the effectiveness of family therapy is ongoing. However, several studies suggest that it may be a useful component of addiction treatment.

• One study found that different forms of family therapy can help keep substance abusers and their families in treatment, reduce substance use and other harmful behaviors, and improve social functioning[1].

• Another study found that behavioral couples therapy can lead to abstinence, better relationships, reduced separation and divorce, and reduced domestic violence.

• A study that reviewed advancements in family-based treatment research found that family therapy treatments can be helpful for a variety of adolescent problems, including substance abuse, schizophrenia, and conduct disorder[1].

Finding A Family Therapy Program for Addiction

We Level Up rehab centers specialize in inpatient addiction and mental health treatment. If you or a family member needs a family-oriented therapy program for substance abuse or mental health treatment, please know our specialists can help you learn about treatment options. Without any obligation.

Where you have concerns or are suffering from addiction and need family therapy for addiction, make sure to ask for help. We are always available to talk and share additional resources and provide support. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Many of our specialists know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.

How I Overcome Addiction & Homelessness and worked towards Recovery, Sobriety, and Supporting Family Video

Addiction Recovery Testimonial

This man tells the difficulties he went through with addiction and the results of his success in recovery and sobriety.

“My last month using, I was sleeping on a park bench, eating on a dumpster but I never wanted to go down the same path that I’ve been through the life that I live.

Today is beyond my wildest dreams, I have a beautiful wife, paid my own rent, which i was never able to do, have a roof over my head, food on my table, and provide for my family.

My passion today is helping people to achieve that goal get them to where i am today”

Does Addiction Treatment Work?

Approximately 80% of people who complete drug and alcohol rehab say their health and quality of life have improved. Nine months after being released, 85% to 95% of people who successfully complete drug rehab report that they are still drug-free.