While having a family is an adventure, that does not mean it is always a fun adventure. Anyone who has fought with their sibling, parent, or child knows that a significant aspect of being a part of a family is working through the problems that family members have with one another. However, the answers to these problems are not always easy to find. No guidebook or one size fits all solution can solve each situation that may pop up. This can be especially true when a family member suffers from a substance use disorder.
A substance use disorder (SUD) is defined as an inability to stop using an addictive substance despite the risks, consequences, or multiple attempts to quit in the past. Substance abuse can affect family dynamics and interpersonal relationships and turn what is supposed to be a place of shelter into a place of hostility and tension. There are many ways to treat addiction. Whether it be an in-patient program, outpatient program, or another form of substance abuse treatment, there is an option available for everyone. However, family therapy addiction treatment might be the solution in instances where substance abuse has directly affected the family.
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is a wonderful way for families to work through their issues. Family therapy, in contrast to individual and group therapy, is a form of therapy that looks to examine how interpersonal dynamics between family members have created tension or feelings of resentment. It is not always easy for family members to communicate their feelings with one another. Feelings of frustration, shame, stress, anger, disappointment, and fear can quickly accumulate and build if not expressed and will only go on to hurt the family unit as a whole if left unresolved. Issues typically brought up in family therapy and substance abuse family therapy include the following:
- Grief
- Trauma
- Infidelity
- Domestic violence
- Marital strain
- Relationship dynamics
- Mental health
- Conflict resolution
- Cheating
- Communication issues
- Financial problems
Some might wonder: How can a family therapist help family members talk about issues they refuse to address at home? Family therapists understand that walking into their office doesn’t make it easier for patients to talk about their problems. Family therapists create an environment where patients feel safe and free from judgment, knowing that there in a safe environment, family members can talk through their issues in a much more productive fashion.
How Can Family Therapy Help Addiction?
Addiction affects all family members, including siblings, parents, and children. Parents and siblings may feel shame and frustration toward a family member with a SUD, while younger members are likely to develop feelings of confusion and anger. Family therapy addiction treatment benefits from getting ahead of these emotions before they develop into something worse.
Family therapy allows all family members to feel heard in both an individual, and group setting, as therapists will often work with family members one-on-one and together as a unit. Family members will learn about how their actions and emotions directly affect the rest of the family, creating the opportunity for new dynamics to be made that put less strain on the family. Addiction-based family therapy is not about placing blame or fault; it’s about coming to the point of understanding where each member of the family feels heard, understood, and important.
Help Fight Addiction With Family Therapy Near Me At Santé Center For Healing
At Santé Center for Healing, we offer various substance use disorder and family therapy-based treatments. We understand the strain that addiction can put on each member of the family and the family as a whole. We have worked in the mental health field for over 25 years, have a strong alum program, and are open to any questions about our facilities and curriculum. For more information on family therapy addiction treatment or to schedule an appointment today, contact us at 866.238.3154.
