Addiction is an illness that not only affects the sufferer, but also their family, coworkers, and friends. Because of this, it is often necessary for families to participate in the rehab journey of their addicted loved one which is made possible with family counseling. Relationships are damaged, some beyond repair by substance abuse and in order to fix these close relationships, it is vital that everyone receives counseling from a professional family therapist.
Rehab represents an opportunity for an addict and those close to them to communicate with each other, very often for the first time since they started using. Therapists are able to provide families with a better understanding of how addiction works that helps them find ways to heal. For example, it is important for people to realize that addicts do not use drugs or alcohol through choice. One of the main signs of addiction is that the person loses control over when they use because it has developed into a compulsion.
Having a better understanding of addiction allows families to accept their addicted loved one didn’t intentionally hurt them through their substance abuse. This is an important realization as it is essential for them to separate drug or alcohol abuse from the person and accept it as an illness that can be treated. Ultimately, family therapy initially clarifies what is going on among loved ones as a result of substance abuse so that they can work towards acceptance.
When a person has been through an addiction treatment program, they still need help when they have completed it. Family therapy serves to prepare relatives for early recovery and arms them with the tools to support their loved one as they return to a substance-free life. Family therapy most importantly provides a more optimistic view of the future for everyone affected by substance abuse.
Casa Recovery in Southern California offers family counseling in addiction treatment programs that are tailored to individual needs. Family relationships are important and very often an integral part of a person’s recovery outcomes and we can provide you with a strategy to help you. Contact Casa Recovery to find out more about alcohol and drug treatment in San Juan Capistrano.