Addiction takes a toll on the individual as well as the family. Addiction and family relate closely to one another because substance abuse can impact the quality of relationships. Partner, spouse, parent, or child feel betrayed or shocked when they learn that their loved one is an addict. While they want to help their loved one get rid of the addiction, they may often not know how. Family therapy and addiction inpatient rehab can help.
Addiction creates mistrust and, in the long run, destroys previously strong bonds between family members. If your loved one is struggling with an addiction, it’s also important for your entire family to get the support of trained psychotherapists at a competent inpatient rehab center.
What Is the Link Between Addiction and Family?
For the family, dealing with the day-to-day stressors of having an addict at home can be exhausting and frightening. Helplessness, anger, shame, worry, and guilt can be overwhelming. Miscommunication or total lack of communication and frequent arguments can also raise stress levels at home.
Drug addiction affects families in many ways – emotionally, financially, and functionally. Many competing questions and emotions may arise, leading to despair and helplessness.
Many times, some family members tend to feel abandoned, as the substance user becomes the center of attention. Some questions that occupy the family members’ minds include:
- How can I help?
- Am I to blame?
- Am I making it worse instead of better?
- Why can’t he or she quit the addiction?
- Who can we trust to help?
A drug or alcohol rehab inpatient experience benefits not only the individual dealing with substance abuse but the whole family.
Family Therapy at Rehab Centers
At professional rehab centers, family therapy focuses on involving the loved ones in the treatment process. They can either participate in the therapy sessions along with the patient or get together with other families facing a similar situation.
Experts at rehab facilities focus on multiple therapies for the benefit of patients and their families. Some of the practices followed are group and alumni therapies, family therapy, individual counseling, behavior therapy and mindfulness training.
Family therapy programs provide:
- Information related to the progress of the addict
- Education on addiction and treatment programs
- Communication skills for family members
- Developing boundaries and reducing codependency
- Learning enabling behaviors
- Information and skills for the family to recover along with the addict
Family therapy for drug addiction reassures patients and their loved ones that they are also not alone. When clients participate in sessions and learn new skills, family members can support each other.
Help is always available at rehab centers. Also, compassionate therapists work with you and your family to make the treatment process as comfortable and simple as possible. Reach out today to begin a new addiction-free life.
