One of the most important elements of sustaining recovery is having family support during and after treatment. It’s why there’s so much emphasis on getting loved ones involved early in the process. But, casual conversation at home about treatment doesn’t necessarily help in the long-term. Today, let’s talk about how family therapy is designed, when it gets introduced, and how it benefits a loved one in recovery.
Managing family dynamics while seeking treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs) for yourself or a loved one can be challenging. Family therapy is a valuable option to help each person impacted by the SUD have a safe space to communicate. As a family unit, you can learn problem-solving and healthy communication skills needed to resolve conflict at home. As family support is a valuable part of the recovery process, a person entering treatment can learn how to make amends to repair the damage done to loved ones by substance use. They can also begin demonstrating a long-term commitment to recovery to encourage family members to remain supportive during the process.
What are the benefits of family therapy?
Substance use affects each person in the family and impacts the family unit as a whole. Family therapy is designed to introduce the steps and skills needed to repair any damage created by substance use. As a group, families can learn problem-solving strategies and healthy communication skills.
Family therapy benefits include learning how to trust one another and speak openly and honestly about situations. Creating a supportive home environment is another benefit of family therapy. It’s important to recognize how to minimize conflict as well as how to deal with it as a family unit when it comes up.
How can you avoid “triggering” relationships with family members?
Not everyone in the family will be instantly supportive when you’re in treatment. Encounters with a loved one can remain tense if there’s a history of conflict. Any ongoing emotional friction between you can disrupt your focus on recovery.
To remain in recovery around these kinds of family members, you’ll need to learn to set healthy boundaries. One of them may be limiting the times you communicate with them. You may also consider having someone else present who can advocate for peaceful communication between you and the family member.
What can you do to make amends with family members you’ve hurt?
Unlike an apology, making amends with family members you’ve hurt is a process. Words can only say so much so making promises isn’t the solution. Earning their trust by consistently using productive behavior makes a greater statement about your desire to repair the harm.
Making amends can be a two-way street. Giving someone a chance to tell you how you hurt them can be part of it. In this situation, there’s no need to make excuses or ask for forgiveness immediately. Just giving them a safe space to tell you directly how they feel can be a helpful start to rebuilding a relationship.
How do you express to your family that you are committed to recovery?
As we said above, making promises to stay sober isn’t a sign of commitment. Demonstrating commitment comes through your behavior. If you’re considering a program, invite your family to discuss your ideas about treatment. Ask them for input or for help in identifying a program for you.
As every family knows, recovery requires a long-term commitment. Find ways to begin planning for what that long-term commitment looks like to you. It might involve starting new hobbies, creating plans for self-care, or searching for a job to restrict your access to drugs and alcohol.
Origins Counseling can you help you, your family, and anyone else you love.
Origins Counseling understands that addiction is a family disease. Whether it’s your addiction or loved ones, patients and family members here learn to address the issues connected to substance use and mental health disorders. These services include family therapy and family case management.
We also offer a weekly family support group for people to participate in regularly or whenever time allows. These sessions on Zoom can be a valuable time to connect with others who are experiencing some of the same situations at home. In this shared community, you may discover new resources and ideas to help your family grow stronger as you face recovery work together.
Origins Counseling in Dallas, Texas, made available by a well-known care provider offering a range of treatment programs targeting the recovery from substance use, mental health issues, and beyond. Our primary mission is to provide a clear path to a life of healing and restoration. We offer renowned clinical care for addiction and have the compassion and professional expertise to guide you toward lasting sobriety. For information on our programs, call us today: 561.841.1264.
