A person’s family is a major source of support and strength in the event of life stresses and challenges. It can also make a world of difference when a member of the family is recovering from addiction. Sadly, it is common for addiction to pull the family apart, resulting in dysfunctional relationships and a difficult home life. These rifts can cause serious mental and physical health repercussions. Mending familial relationships and becoming a family again is crucial for those experiencing substance use disorders and mental health disorders. This is why family therapy is such a useful tool for those struggling with addiction.
At Athens Recovery, we believe that family therapy is one of the main pillars of addiction recovery. The tools and strategies taught in family therapy can help clients and their family members resolve conflicts and allow them to heal psychologically and emotionally. If you are feeling disconnected from your family and want to start living a happier, more positive home life, then Athens Recovery is ready to help. Members of our admissions team are standing by to answer any questions you might have. We offer family therapy and a host of other therapeutic interventions for those battling substance use disorders. Call us today at 844.959.4998 to learn more.
What Is Family Therapy?
In much the same way as individual therapy, family therapy brings couples, parents and children, and other family groups together to go through talk therapy. The goal of family therapy is to repair relationships by improving the communication and problem-solving skills of everyone involved.
Some forms of family therapy include:
- Functional family therapy – Helps families support children who are encountering behavioral issues
- Family-based behavioral treatment – Allows parents to model positive behaviors to get the rest of the family to change their behavior
- Multidimensional family therapy – Identifies factors that cause dysfunction and teaches positive coping mechanisms
Three Benefits of Family Therapy
Family members may not have the tools required to support those struggling with substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Loved ones may also feel as though they are not seen or heard. The therapist who assists the family through family therapy can make every member of the group feel as though their needs are being met. Some of the major benefits of family therapy include:
1. Improved Communication
When the family environment is dysfunctional, members can lose sight of what others are feeling. This makes it difficult to have productive communication between family members. A lack of empathy and acknowledgment during dialogue can make members fear being judged or criticized. The therapist can help teach family members to express themselves freely, without anger or embarrassment. They will teach family members to listen and be receptive to what each member is saying.
2. Better Tools to Manage Stress and Conflict
While most families may be perfectly fine when everything is going their way, many relationships fall apart when stress and conflict come into play. The therapist can help family members to better cope with life’s challenges by giving them the tools to manage their own stress and resolve conflicts. This is especially important when a member of the family is in the grip of addiction, as substance use disorders can be a constant source of stress for everyone in the home.
3. Increased Understanding of Addiction
One of the key indicators of a person’s ability to recover from substance use and addiction is the support a person receives from their family. However, family members can find it difficult to give the proper support when they do not understand addiction and why it happens. Family therapy is a chance for a person’s family members to learn about their struggles and what they need to maintain long-term sobriety. A therapist can help teach family members about substance use disorder and how it affects their loved one.
Learn More About Family Therapy at Athens Addiction Recovery Center
If you think that you and your family would benefit from a family therapy program, you can schedule an appointment with Athens Recovery. For many people, family therapy is an essential part of an effective addiction treatment program. We offer a range of treatment options to help our clients get their lives back on track, including:
- Depression treatment
- Life skills training
- Professionals program
- Trauma therapy
Call us at 844.959.4998 to speak with an intake specialist and get started in one of our programs today.
