What are the Benefits of Family Involvement in Addiction Treatment?
Family therapy in Los Angeles for addictionis a type of psychotherapy that involves family members attending therapy with a member who’s in recovery. Family therapy focuses on the relationships between the family members and tries to understand and validate all their experiences. The benefits of family involvement in addiction treatment include:
1. Improved Communication
Conflicts can be resolved and perspectives can be shared through better family communication. In therapy, family members are taught how to express their feelings and thoughts in a healthy way. Lack of communication or poor communication can lead to conflict in families struggling with SUD, which makes addiction worse.
2. Increased Support
Because addiction recovery can be a long journey, family therapy can help increase support from family members. They will learn how to support the recovering member better and be able to offer emotional and realistic support. The increased support helps the person achieve their treatment goals.
3. Healing Past Conflicts
If there is a history of conflict or trauma in the family, therapy can help heal that past distress. This is accomplished by teaching the addict how to communicate effectively, understand other perspectives, and resolve conflicts. It’s easier to move forward in recovery if you heal the past.
4. Improved Mental Health
Having healthy family relationships can reduce stress and anxiety. This leads to better mental health and overall feeling of well-being. The increased understanding can help remove the stigma about addiction and help the whole family accept the condition. Westwind Recovery® also offers mental health treatment programs in Los Angeles that address co-occurring mental illnesses or substance use issues.
5. Lower Risk of Relapse
When there is a reliable support system, it helps avoid relapse. There are people to turn to when you’re struggling who can help support abstinence.
Stages and Goals of Recovery
During the recovery process, the person in recovery and their family will go through several stages:
Withdrawal
During the withdrawal stage, the recovering person may experience intense cravings for the substance, along with feelings of depression and low energy. Sleep problems and difficulty concentrating are common challenges faced during this phase. The primary goals at this stage are to stop substance use, learn strategies to avoid relapse and gain knowledge about addiction. For families, it is crucial to decide to be actively involved in the recovery process and recognize that addiction is a medical issue that requires understanding and support.
Honeymoon
The honeymoon stage is marked by an increase in energy and enthusiasm as the individual may feel like they are “cured” of their addiction. The goals during this phase include working on physical health, identifying personal triggers for relapse, and practicing techniques to maintain sobriety. For families, the focus is on providing support and helping the individual avoid triggering interactions.
The Wall
The wall stage is considered the most challenging phase of recovery. The recovering person may experience depression, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a loss of enthusiasm. The risk of relapse is high during this time. Goals include achieving stable abstinence from all substances, repairing important relationships, building a strong support system outside of treatment, and learning to cope with dangerous emotions. For families, it involves deciding whether to rebuild the relationship, enhancing their own lives, and practicing healthy communication skills.
Readjustment
In the readjustment stage, the recovering person and their family return to a more normal way of life. They work on addressing marital, emotional, and psychological issues to strengthen the family unit. Goals include observing the elements of successful recovery, recognizing signs of potential relapse, defining new roles in healthy relationships, and setting goals for the new lifestyle after treatment. Families are encouraged to accept the limitations of a person in recovery, develop their own healthy lifestyle, and be patient with the recovery process as a whole.
Each stage of recovery comes with its unique challenges and goals for both the individual and their family. By understanding and addressing these stages, individuals can navigate their recovery journey more effectively, while families provide essential support and encouragement along the way.
Westwind Recovery® Can Assist with Family Therapy
As you reviewed the family roles in addiction above, did you recognize your family? If you did, there is no time to waste. If you have a family member suffering from substance use disorder, Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles can provide family therapy as part of their treatment programs.
Our licensed therapists are experienced in many forms of therapy, including behavioral therapies which are evidence-based and considered the gold standard for addiction treatment. We can offer experiential therapies, such as music, art, or adventure therapy. With this versatility, a complete, comprehensive treatment program can be designed specifically for your family member.
We also have several levels of outpatient treatment programs such as:
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Outpatient Program (OP)
If you’re looking for addiction treatment for yourself or a family member, Westwind Recovery® in Los Angeles, California, is an outpatient rehab providing high-quality treatment and offering strong community support. Contact us today to learn how we can help your family and members affected by addiction.
