When someone is suffering from substance abuse and addiction the consequences can take a toll not only on the victim of addiction but also the family members that surround that individual. Family problems can often be the root of addiction and substance abuse. Each family dynamic is unique, some unified and strong, others weak and in need of repair. No matter what kind of family you have, their role in addiction and in recovery is extremely important.
More and more rehab facilities are turning to family counseling as part of the recovery process. Because family members tend to be a part of the problem when dealing with addiction, it makes sense that family members may also be a big part of the solution.
What Is Family Counseling?
Family counseling is when the individual suffering from addiction and at least one of their family members seek professional counseling together. When a family member is struggling with substance abuse, a support system is an important part of overcoming addiction.
Family counseling can be difficult because it may bring up topics that have otherwise been avoided. Facing these tough topics and realities with a professional to listen to everyone in the room can be a game-changer in the addiction treatment process.
Recovering and overcoming addiction and substance abuse is not something that should be faced alone. If family members want to see success in recovery, they must get behind the individual suffering from addiction and offer as much help and support as necessary to make this happen.
Educating Families On Addiction And Recovery
Family counseling allows family members to learn the right and wrong ways to approach addiction and substance abuse treatment and recovery. Even if a family member, or members, have good intentions, this doesn’t always mean they are handling a situation the right way. Family counseling sessions will teach family members to deal with difficult situations and relapse scares in a way that benefits everyone involved, especially the recovering victim of addiction.
Many family members and individuals suffering from addiction often are not properly educated on substance abuse and addiction even as they are facing it. Family counseling helps everyone understand the ins and outs of battling addiction. Being educated on the topic can greatly impact the process, especially after treatment. Building a strong knowledge of the issues at hand will lead to a better road ahead.
Strengthening And Rebuilding Relationships
Entering family counseling can provide a great outlet through which to strengthen a relationship after it has been damaged by addiction and substance abuse. Every family has their own issues and being able to get these issues out into the open and discuss them is vital in finding a resolution. If an individual sought out drugs and alcohol to mask the pain of a damaged relationship with someone in their family, it is even more important to seek counseling together so the damage can be repaired.
Without counseling, it is more likely for an individual to relapse after rehab because the issues that lead to addiction in the first place were not faced.
A family counselor will listen to each person participating and help everyone to express their feelings in a way that is less confrontational than it might be if faced without a third party. This may get emotional but having someone there who is not a part of the family will help to keep the conversation going in the right direction to a resolution.
Post-Treatment Support
Family counseling can help both during treatment and after the initial treatment is over. If families go to counseling to help learn how to treat addiction, it will better prepare them for the post-treatment phase. In addition, it is encouraged to continue family counseling after treatment ends. Continuing counseling post-treatment can keep relationships strong and aim to keep the victim of addiction from relapsing as well.
Remember that someone suffering from addiction needs support. Stepping back out into the world after rehab is intimidating and can be very scary for the person suffering to go back their normal life without going back to their old habits. This is where the family comes in, offering support in the ways they were taught in counseling.
Continuing counseling sessions after rehab to ensure an open line of communication between family members will also aide in showing a victim of addiction the support and love they need during this time. Family counseling can play a major role in building a strong support system, making the person suffering from addiction feel more comfortable when reentering the world after rehab.
Maintaining The Support System
Counseling of this nature offers a support system outside of the family, someone who will listen without judgment or any prior knowledge of family life. A professional counselor will listen to each family member and offer advice on how to handle not only addiction and substance abuse issues but other family issues as well. This support system will help get to the root of the problem so it can be resolved in a non-confrontational and non-stressful manner. It will offer the support of the counselor but also teach family members how to support each other during a difficult time, such as dealing with addiction.
Contact Us
The most important thing any victim of addiction needs to know is that they are not alone in their struggle and that they have people to rely on. If you or someone you love is facing addiction, it is time to get them the help they need. It is never too late to reach out and be educated on rehab and family counseling. DrugRehab.org is here for you and your family to make sure you get the help and treatment that you deserve. Contact us today to get started on your road to recovery!
