When addiction strikes, it hurts more than the person who struggles with the disease. Substance use disorders cause physical, emotional, and mental pain that radiates out to families and friends. Arguably, it is the people closest to those suffering from addiction who feel the most severe impacts of the disease. Often, those people are family members, parents, siblings, or childhood friends. This is one of the greatest benefits of a family program for addiction.
Everyone involved with substance use disorder will see the benefits of a family program. First and foremost, the benefits of a family program in recovery will help those closest to the person fighting addiction. It will help them understand that the disease and the person they love are two entirely separate entities. It will help educate friends and family about addiction, and that will also help the person in recovery. Addiction therapy programs that include family therapy sessions have been shown to be more successful than those that don’t.
The Benefits of a Family Therapy Program
There is a dividing line between helping and enabling, and for the family members of those struggling with addiction, recognizing that line can be critically important. Through a family program for addiction, parents, siblings, and other relatives will learn how to support their loved ones in recovery without enabling harmful behaviors.
Another benefit of family programs in recovery is the support network that those suffering will have, a support network that will understand how to help. When those close to someone with a substance use disorder understand the difference between addiction and the person and aspects like triggers and high-risk situations, it helps everyone. Some of the most common triggers for relapse can include:
- Boredom
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loneliness
With the help of a family program, those closest to the person in recovery can learn how to best support their loved one and help them avoid triggers that could lead to a relapse.
Recovery Is for Everyone
Living with and around a substance use disorder can be difficult. Learning to forgive the person who is struggling with substance abuse and separate the disease from the person is healing, both for you and for them. Doing so is just another one of the benefits of a family program.
A quality family program in recovery will help everyone, to heal, to grow, and to recover from the aftermath of addiction. During a family therapy program, you might discuss:
- How addiction has affected your relationship
- What role you might have played in the development of the disease
- How to set and maintain boundaries
- Effective communication skills
- How to deal with relapses
- Building a support network
- Parenting skills
One of the most important aspects of a family program is that it helps those closest to the person with addiction to forgive themselves. It’s not your fault that your loved one became addicted to drugs or alcohol. It’s not your fault that they struggled in recovery. And it’s not your fault if they relapse.
Recovery Ranch PA Helps the Entire Family
Those who have lived with addiction don’t escape without scars. Recovery Ranch PA believes in the benefits of a family program. We’re here to help the entire family heal. In our peaceful, supportive center, we provide individualized care for those in addiction recovery. Our evidence-based programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client, and we offer a variety of services, including:
- Detox
- Inpatient treatment
- Outpatient treatment
- Partial hospitalization
- Sober living
- Aftercare
If you or someone you know is fighting a substance use disorder, then it’s time to get help. It’s time to start healing. Contact us today, and let us help you take the first step on the road to recovery. Call the Recovery Ranch PA today at 717.969.9126 and find help, hope, and healing for the entire family.
