According to the "Substance Abuse Treatment and Family Therapy" guide, family therapy is a good resource for recovery for family members with drug and alcohol addictions.
How can family therapy help me?
- Your family's strengths and resources can help you find ways to live without alcohol and drug addiction.
- You and your family will be better able to deal with the impact of detoxification, the process of cleansing your body from an addiction.
- Your family will become more aware of their own needs and feel that they can express their needs safely.
- The next generation in your family will be less likely to carry on your addiction.
- If you have lost custody of your children, you will be better able to overcome your addiction and reconnect with your family.
- Make sure you find the right therapist or counselor and that you're upfront about why your family is going to therapy. Family therapists often don't screen for substance abuse, while substance abuse counselors need proper training and licensing to practice family therapy.
- If there is any physical or emotional abuse in the family, family counseling techniques are not an option, because family members must be protected.
