When you’re part of a family, every decision one person makes impacts everyone else.
Therefore, when a person is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, their choices and actions will affect everyone in the family. This is why addiction is often referred to as a “family disease.”
While there are many consequences of addiction for the family unit, the most common are a heightened state of stress, increased conflict, increased dysfunction and feelings of guilt, shame and blame. These negative emotions often lead families to isolate themselves, further enhancing their feelings of isolation.
Just as addicts need to heal and recover from their substance use, so do families. While you or a loved one is receiving treatment at Surfside Recovery, our Family Support program is open and available to your family.
Why is Family Therapy an Important Part of the Recovery Process?
There are many reasons why family support and education are crucial parts of the healing process.
First, when an addiction is present in a family, everyone suffers. Things like mental health problems, anxiety, depression, shame and isolation are common in families with addiction. Without professional help, these issues can linger and cause further dysfunction. Fortunately, family therapy can help members in the family work through their feelings so that they can heal, too.
Second, family therapy can help break unhealthy patterns of behavior. Generational patterns are thoughts, beliefs and perceptions that are passed down through generations. While some patterns are healthy, others are not. If substance use is something that runs in your family, family therapy can help break these patterns.
Lastly, family therapy supports and educates family members on addiction and recovery. It’s not uncommon for families to practice unhealthy habits without knowing, such as codependency. By educating families and teaching them how to be supportive of recovery but not the addiction, they can create a safe environment that is conducive to recovery.
Healing the Family Unit at Surfside Recovery
Surfside Recovery believes in strengthening the family unit. We have clients meet with their families each week to discuss important issues and make positive changes in their home life. This way, when they return home after completing our residential treatment program, they can walk into a more positive, supportive environment.
Some of the topics that we may discuss during your family therapy sessions are:
- Inconsistent rule setting
- Negativity in communication
- Lack of boundaries
- Misguided expectations
- Misdirected anger
- Self-medication
- Codependency
- Stigmas
Our family therapists will also be happy to provide you with treatment resources in your community, such as Al-Anon, Alateen or Codependents Anonymous. We also encourage each member in the family to practice good self-care so they can prioritize their health and find new ways to accept their situation.
To learn more about our family therapy program and how it can strengthen your recovery, contact Surfside Recovery today.