Family Program for Addiction Recovery

Our family program helps the whole family heal and allows relatives to be a part of their addicted family member’s recovery journey. When one family member is addicted, the entire family ultimately suffers.

That is why the entire family is involved in the treatment process. Without being allowed to heal as a unit in a mediated, neutral space, the pain of the ordeal may never be dealt with productively. This can lead to lasting pain for all those involved, including recurring feelings of guilt, anger, helplessness, and regret.

At Massachusetts Center for Addiction, we prioritize helping the whole family heal. 

What is a Family Program?

Our family program for addiction recovery is a form of group therapy and family counseling. We invite the patient’s family to participate in the recovery journey. In a neutral space, family members can process their own emotions about the effects of addiction in a healthy way. It is also a place to receive comprehensive education about substance abuse and addiction. 

Our family programs teach families about the disease of addiction and the various ways it affects family members. You will discover how to: 

• Work through the strong emotions that come with the chaos of drug addiction.
• How to set and maintain boundaries.
• Reestablish trust and healthy relationships. 

Therapy programs like this allow those affected to get one facet of treatment for mental health disorders and substance use disorders. 

Which Family Members Does a Family Program Include?

Every family looks different, so the family members included in a family program will differ for every patient. Some common family members are children or parents. It can also be siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles.

We recommend that the family members affected most by the addiction attend family programs to allow them the chance to heal. This can also include chosen family members who might not be blood-related.

Addiction is frequently referred to as the “family disease” because it affects more than just the addict. It causes a strain on interpersonal relationships and can leave a wake of destruction. However, pursuing a holistic and multifaceted treatment process is important to promote total healing when starting on the path to recovery. 

How Family Involvement Affects Treatment Outcomes

According to research and our expertise, the odds of successful long-term recovery increase considerably when the family participates in the healing process. Therefore, loved ones must participate in the rehabilitation process. Traumatization and stress induced by substance use disorders, alcoholism, and the disease of addiction can continue to fester and cause turmoil, even if the addict is no longer using.

The Role of Family in Addiction Recovery

Family-centered care acknowledges the critical role of family members and caregivers in the design and execution of substance abuse and addiction services. Recovery is not just about the addict — it’s about the whole family.

The most important lesson for family members to understand is that you cannot control your loved one’s drug or alcohol addiction. You can only take responsibility for your health and happiness. Family therapy introduces this skill set and gives space to practice it.

Family support is essential to addiction recovery. When you’re battling addiction, your loved ones are affected by your behavior, often in ways you don’t realize. The impact of addiction can be devastating, especially if you have children. And yet, many addicts and alcoholics don’t seek addiction treatment until their families intervene or until they experience legal trouble related to their drinking or drug use.

Family members often feel helpless when helping someone with an addiction. They may fear that talking about the problem will make things worse. They may worry that if they confront their loved one about their behavior, they will lose control and become violent or abusive toward them or even themselves.

Even if it’s hard, there are steps you can take to help yourself and your loved one get through this difficult time. As such, it’s important to talk openly with other people who have had similar experiences. In addition, don’t be afraid to seek help from family members, friends, or professionals.

Who Benefits from a Family Program?

Family rehab programs benefit both the client and the family of the addict. Family programs allow participants to realize they are not alone in this struggle.

We Are Here to Help You and Your Family

Participating in a family program may cause anxiety and discomfort at first. However, we can tell you that you will feel relief and optimism for yourself and your family after a while.

With so many different types of therapy available, it can be tough to determine which is best for you. A multipronged approach can consist of family therapy and other behavioral therapy to help experience well-rounded treatment.

We can provide all those services at the Massachusetts Center for Addiction. Call 844-486-0671 today to speak to a professional and start on the recovery path for you and your family.