Family Therapy for Addiction in Pennsylvania

PENNSYLVANIA Family Therapy for addiction in hanover

Addiction is a family disease that is fueled by secrecy and embarrassment.. At the same time, substance use disorder is a pervasive condition with an impact that reaches far beyond the addicted person. The mental, physical, and social health effects of substance use disorder can extend to people that have never used a drug or drank alcohol. They are the family members of the person suffering addiction.

Emotional bonds formed with family members are some the most special relationships most will ever know. However, they can also be the most trying (at times). Most in sobriety have come to understand that that their addictions are intertwined with their family. In fact, when a person has been in addiction for any measurable time, connections to family and friends seem to go offline.

Our family programming is designed to assist families in taking care of themselves, while at the same time supporting their loved one in recovery. We know that family participation will increase your family member’s chances for addiction recovery. At the same time, family participation will help everyone understand the dynamics of substance use disorder and will initiate the process of healing within the family. Marriage and family counseling will be offered to each client's family members. Clients need to sign a release of information for each family member to ensure confidentiality is not being breached.

BENEFITS OF FAMILY THERAPY

In the world of addiction recovery, the focus is usually on the family member suffering substance abuse. However, parents, spouses, and siblings endure a great deal of strain that accompanies substance use disorder. Family therapy not only helps families heal but also assists them to better understand addiction and learn the importance of self-care to best support their loved one. Some of the many benefits of family therapy for addiction include:

1. A Greater Understanding of Addiction

Many parents are naïve or simply lack understanding about addiction and its far-reaching effects. In family psychotherapy, all loved ones are evaluated, educated, and guided with strategies to support the family’s recovery. Knowledge is power.

2. Awareness of Family Subtleties

Dysfunctional family patterns greatly impact substance use since many adults drink or use substances to cope. Sometimes, the substance abuser is trying to “get by” just being at home. Group psychotherapy for families uncovers and addresses the fractured dynamics between loved ones.

3. Improved Communication

During active addiction, many family interactions become closed or greatly reduced. Re-establishing the lines of communication is critical and will require a concerted effort by all family members to generate a positive outcome.

4. Re-establish Trust

Deceit and addiction are usually joined at the hip! Family members become reluctant to open themselves to help a loved one who has justifiably broken their trust. Better communication, demonstrated integrity, and seeing positive behavior modifications can help mend this fence.

5. Revealing Feelings

During substance use, relationships can become strained or shutdown. Family members may be furious but unable to communicate it. They may fear relapse or worse, a fatal overdose. Family therapy teaches loved ones recognize and articulate these feelings in a thoughtful manner.

6. Setting Limits

Addiction affects every family member and creating boundaries is not easy, especially if it’s not the norm. However, it is an essential step toward healing the family. This may include detaching with love from any family member who is active in substance use.

7. Understanding the Importance of Self-Care

In rehab, the focus is on the person with the problem and helping them recover from it. In family therapy, loved ones learn that they may need help too. They will likely be introduced to support groups like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon in addition to finding their own therapist.

Family Therapy Gives Everyone a Clean Slate

Family members can share their feelings about the client’s addiction, as well as any linked behavioral challenges. When this happens, old behaviors are exposed, and new trust can be built. Family therapy is a lot like group therapy. Sessions are conducted by a psychotherapist, and all family members are urged to attend and take part in their family’s solution. At this point, grievances come to light in a meaningful way so healing can become the group’s focus.
Family psychotherapists can also provide support / help with:

Behavioral health issues
Guilt / resentment
Financial stress
Sibling rivalry
Betrayal
Divorce
Child custody

Please don't ignore your family member’s alcohol or drug addiction. It does not get better on its own and can distress families very quickly. It needs to be treated. The family can be restored through our Pennsylvania family therapy program. Call us today at 866-470-1464.