When getting over addiction, it’s important that you try all forms of therapy in order to find the right fit for you. Not many people may be aware of family therapy for addiction, or even know what it entails. To dispel any myths or to better prepare yourself for what may come, here’s everything that you need to know about family therapy for addiction.
The Goal Of Family Therapy
Attending any Newport Beach recovery center will demonstrate that family therapy is designed to teach how substance use is embedded within the family dynamic. Education can be provided as to how to break this cycle and how to help the addict get back on their feet. New coping mechanisms and means of support can be taught so that everyone involved can be the best support system the addict needs.
Another essential element of family therapy is to overcome the negative emotions associated with drug addiction. Anxiety, anger, and frustration are normal emotions that family members can experience, but it’s important that they know how to properly deal with these emotions outside of taking them out on the addict.
Increasing Family Engagement
The first step of family therapy is to enhance their involvement and investment in the therapy of their addicted family member. It helps both sides to see and understand what the other person might be feeling and experiencing so that they can meet on the middle ground to focus on helping the addict get better. This takes place during the initial phase of treatment, where the goals are set.
Learning Relational Reframing
Relational reframing consists of interventions that are designed to focus on the nature of relationships instead of looking at problems and their solutions. Each individual’s emotions and
motivations are examined and discussed to figure out the root, underlying emotions and thoughts so that each person can react more appropriately in the future.
Restructuring Of The Family
The fourth goal of family therapy is to restructure the way the family system is governed. For example, there may be a trend that when someone in the family is upset, they choose not to talk about it and handle it alone. Family therapy will demonstrate that this doesn’t work and that some alternative solution needs to be sought so that mistakes can’t be repeated.
It’s obvious that the old way of doing things isn’t going to help the addict, so the family dynamics have to be changed in order to help them recover and stay sober.
Although parents should always encourage their children to avoid drugs, it’s also important to keep an open mind and not be judgmental if they do end up becoming addicts. Fact-based and honest drug education, instead of fear tactics, should be used to make themselves seem more credible while still being open so that their children can come to them for advice.
Whatever hardships might have happened, it’s important to remain positive and to focus on the good that’s coming out of going to therapy. If family therapy sounds like an option that might be right for you and your family, speak to a mental health professional today.
We are not doctors and this is in no way intended to be used as medical advice and we cannot be held responsible for your results. As with any product, service or supplement, use at your own risk. Always do your own research before using.
Meg is an author at Cinnamon Hollow. She writes on a variety of topics sharing tips and ideas for daily life.
This article offers insightful guidance on what to anticipate during family therapy for addiction. Helpful read for anyone navigating this journey.