Addiction to drugs and alcohol can have drastic adverse effects on your life or the life of a loved one. Unlike what many people would think, addiction does not affect addicted individuals alone. It also affects the lives of those around them, such as friends, families, and the community.
Drug addiction may affect families in a range of ways, including:
• Conflicts and irritability
• Ruined relationships
• Misuse of family resources
• Isolation from other family members
• Separation and divorce
• Failed parenthood
For that reason, family therapy is among the highly sought out counseling programs in New Jersey treatment centers. The US Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommended the introduction of family therapy in addiction treatment centers, and anyone who goes to these facilities should get the treatment.
In most partial care treatment and outpatient treatment centers in New Jersey, family therapy programs allow the participants to express how their lives have changed due to substance abuse by one of their family members. This type of therapy takes place in safe settings, and licensed therapists have to conduct it practically. The family members convey their feelings and thoughts without making the addict feel attacked.
Types of Family Therapy
Some of the common therapies that help in addiction treatment include;
• Brief strategic family therapy
• Behavioral therapy
• Motivational enhancement counseling
• Multidimensional family therapy
• Solution-focused family therapy
The therapy involves both the alcohol and drug abuser and family members. It could be the parent, spouse, sibling, or any other closely related person. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has listed the many benefits of family therapy.
They include:
• Keeps the loved ones motivated and engaged during the treatment program
• Allows the family to learn more about addiction and the effects it can have on them in addition to how addiction treatment works and the results
• Enables the family members to ask questions about the addition and to express their concerns and feelings
• Offers a high level of support for the addict
• Enables the whole family to offer the needed support for their loved one after the treatment
• Eases the feelings of anger, fear, confusion, and stress associated with addiction
• Helps improve the communication skills of family members
• Allows the family members to develop strategies and skills necessary in helping the loved one recover
• Provides an opportunity to address mental health issues in the family system, including depression and anxiety that can ruin the family communication and even contribute to relapse
Involving the whole family in the recovery process of a loved one allows for long-term success. Family therapy also improves the household functions and the mental health of the family members.
Conclusion
Studies have shown that family therapy helps the alcohol and drug abusers and their relatives minimize substance abuse in addition to the harmful behaviors. It also helps them improve their social functioning. Family therapy can enhance relationships, lead to abstinence, and reduce the occurrence of divorce, separation, and domestic violence. Our counselors are always available to help you with any drug and alcohol abuse-related issues. Contact us today for help at 833-610-1174.