Families are deeply affected when a loved one has addiction problems, which is why Liberty Wellness in Berlin, NJ offers family therapy for substance abuse.
Family members often develop a codependent relationship with the family member that is struggling with the powerful forces of addiction. If this co-dependent relationship problem is not addressed, the recovering addict might go back to the same environment where using drugs or consuming alcohol is their norm. Families that also receive counseling learn about healthy relationships, and they also learn how to provide support for the addicted person without being an enabler.
We run Zoom meetings for family therapy on Tuesdays at 7:00pm ET. Our Zoom ID is 648-759-2667. Join the Meeting Here.
What is Family Therapy for Addiction?
Family therapy is just like psychotherapy, or counseling, except instead of just the client attending the entire family participates. While individual counseling focuses on the thoughts, behaviors, and emotions of the individual, family therapy focuses on relationships and understanding their experiences. The goal of family therapy is to bring clarity to all relationships and repair certain ones if needed. Family therapy for addiction educates the families of those struggling with substance abuse or addiction, and also supports family members in reducing their unhelpful behaviors and increasing their helpful behaviors.
Family members are encouraged to ask questions and learn about their loved ones addiction and how they can help by not enabling them. Family therapeutic interventions may include:
- Discussing family roles
- Identifying ways to improve communication and build trust
- Learning what helps and what is harmful
- Identifying ways to interact that the needs of everyone involved
Impact of Substance Abuse on Families
The effects of substance abuse can vary from family to family, but drug and alcohol abusing behaviors impact family dynamics in many ways that can be very unhealthy. As a result of substance abuse, family members can experience negative emotions like anger, anxiety, embarrassment, and guilt. In some cases, the safety of other family members can be at risk by the individual’s substance abuse. Certain family members can also inherit too many responsibilities, or ones that are not age appropriate, which could have a negative impact on the family as a whole. Communication is also deeply affected by substance use, communication can often be negative and any positive interactions are limited.
Benefits of Family Therapy for Substance Abuse
Addiction affects the entire family, and it’s important to consider family therapy because it can help to repair the damaged relationships and teach family members healthy coping skills. Some of the main benefits of family therapy include:
- Gaining a better understanding of addiction and how it affects behavior
- Becoming aware of family dynamics
- Improves communication and builds trust
- Sets necessary boundaries
- The ability to share each other’s feelings
Family therapy can be a great way to address the problems that were brushed under the rug for so long. It can be a pivotal step in the recovery process for the family and the individual suffering from addiction.
In addition to the Family Program for our clients at Liberty Wellness, we also host a free, Family Addiction Support Group in South Jersey. At the “All Walks” group, you will be able to connect with people who understand what you’re going through as you learn different ways to cope, how to handle an addicted loved one in your home, how to stop enabling and much more. The All Walks Group is absolutely free and ALL are welcome! Like us on Facebook for group updates, weekly group topics and get connected with people who have been there.
Get Addiction Help for the Whole Family At Liberty Wellness NJ
At Liberty Wellness, we understand that addiction is a disease that affects the whole family. We are dedicated to helping not just the one suffering from substance abuse, but the entire family during their healing process. Our family therapy program is designed to help the recovering addict and their family to address the specific issues they might face. Call or contact us today for more information on our family therapy program.
