Family Therapy for Addiction Treatment

It is common for an addict to hide feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness from family and friends. Family group treatment leads to a better understanding of the family and the patient’s situation. In addition, awareness about substance use and associated complications like mental impairment leads to better recovery of the person involved.

The time taken for recovery can substantially decrease when a loved one is part of the therapy. The counselor guides and plans the discussion and activity routine of the addict. Social and Peer groups can also become a part of this process.

Once the family therapy starts, there is a clear improvement in communication among all the people involved. Contact leads to the expression of hidden feelings of anger, regret, or fear. Inevitable financial failures cause people to misuse drugs, and speaking about such losses can be a source of relief. Talking and listening are two essential tools for a complete and stable recovery.

Communication can be direct or indirect; direct contact involves family group discussions, tours, and other physical activities. The indirect method includes letters, voice recordings, and assisted messaging between a family member and the recovering substance user.

Involvement of family and friends has shown promising results in family group treatment. Commitment to attending group meetings and practicing techniques at home can result in a speedy recovery. Substance abuse can be triggered by loneliness which can be addressed through the direct involvement of all family members, especially parents.

Young substance abusers have shown drastic improvement because they consistently showed up for a specific number of sessions. In addition, friends and peers proved to be a good source of group support for others. Nonetheless, family groups are better for the long-term sobriety of the addict.

Going back to normal life activities can be overwhelming for the recovered person. In addition, environmental and occupational triggers may cause a relapse, which can be difficult for the family. Therefore, to overcome the chances of a relapse, the recovered person needs the continuous presence of the family or social group.

Planned meetups with friends and family are a good way in this regard. Thus the success of family group therapy depends on making lifestyle changes. A conservative attitude towards self-talk and self-worth should be practiced as part of recovery.

Exercise, diet, meditation, and self-appreciation are essential steps in recovery. In addition, drinking water and eating nonfatty foods are reported to have detoxifying effects on the body after substance abuse. A healthier lifestyle also includes having positive people around. Family group therapy helps plan healthy meals together at least once a week.

To sustain a positive attitude, yoga and meditation are very effective. Sports are essential not only for mental health but also for muscle strength and building stamina. Deep breathing is also a good way for a recovering person to calm the nerves.