By the time an addict is convinced that it is appropriate and healthy to enter treatment for their chemical dependency, those closest to him or her may feel as though they have gone through an emotional or psychological battle of their own. Providing counseling for those closest to the recovering addict will go a long way towards establishing a more stable setting for the patient’s return, following treatment. Through family counseling, the means for dealing with any triggering issues that may exist in the family relationships can be explored and addressed.
One of the first acts that members of a treatment center will perform is the education of the family members surrounding the recovering addict. Not only is it important for the treatment team to understand the dynamics that surround the addict, but with a close evaluation of their family dynamics, the counselors are able to understand how to best treat their new patient. Many addicts create unhealthy relationships, while suffering from attachment issues with one or more of their family members. Often they experience feelings of loss or isolation, without clearly understanding their origins.
Families are welcomed into a joint counseling program that provides an illumination of the relationship issues within the household and how the addict has directly impacted or suffered from those issues. Family members learn how to better communicate, set healthy boundaries and discover a more appropriate manner for expressing their feelings and emotions. Through the process of psychodrama, families are allowed to explore internal and external conflicts through role playing. By acting out the behaviors, roles and family dynamics which currently exist, it allows all members of the household to truly gain a deeper insight into how they can better interact with one another.
The very nature of a family is one of complexity. However, once substance abuse is added to the mix, it can cause resentment, fear, anxiety, anger and a host of other emotions in each member of the household. During family therapy sessions monitored by a trained and experienced facilitator, the impact of those emotions can be mitigated and harmony can begin to be restored to the home.
Ultimately, the importance of each member of the family can be brought to light through a proper family counseling program. By developing a true sense of well-being in the recovering addict, his or her role in the home can be one of calm interaction driven by a healthy outlook on life, rather than one serving as a by-product of the disorders associated with drug or alcohol dependency. Although rebuilding trust takes time; with the help of a trained team of counselors, the family can begin to heal along with their recovering addict.
Distributed by Client Initiatives
Media Contact
Company Name: Design for Change Recovery
Contact Person: Joe Hunter
Email: Administration@designforchangerecovery.com
Phone: 855-445-9598
Address:1066 E. Avenue J.
City: Lancaster
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: www.designforchangerecovery.com