Family Participation
- The Family Disease of Addiction
Addiction is never just an individual’s problem. It is related to the entire family dynamic and has far-reaching effects on the entire family’s lives. Addictions often manifest in an individual as a result of family dysfunction. For example, if you’re sick, your symptoms are the result of an illness but treating your symptoms doesn’t cure you. Treating your cough doesn’t cure the flu.
At Recovery in Motion, we’ve often seen that family behaviors enable the addict in the family. The concept of the “designated patient” is that one family member is deemed to be the “sick one” so that the family can concentrate their energy on that person rather than the dynamic as a whole. We’ve seen this occur with clients who come to Recovery in Motion for addiction treatment. Families might avoid family therapy because they feel that only the individual needs help. Sometimes families will avoid the issue of addiction therapy in general so they can continue to ignore the issues of substance abuse and deeper family trauma. Some people also try to avoid confronting the issue so that they don’t push away their loved ones.
It’s very important that the whole family is involved in treatment however possible. Engaging in the Family Participation Program at Recovery in Motion not only makes family members aware of their role in their loved one’s addiction but also helps heal the entire family system and stops the cycle of dysfunction. Most families with addiction issues have communication problems. Family therapy helps address these communication issues and build a stronger foundation for the family.
Family participation programs in addiction treatment help everyone involved heal. Family members are then better equipped to provide educated and much-needed emotional support for their loved one who is in the highly stressful time of early recovery.
- Family Participation in Addiction Treatment
Time away during addiction treatment at Recovery in Motion may feel like a respite for all family members but the family must remain involved in treatment. During your time away from your family, you might be out of a toxic, codependent, enabling environment. Your friends and family also have time to understand their role in your addiction. It’s important to understand this as the first step and then use your time in recovery to heal your family system.
As part of the Family Participation Program at Recovery in Motion, your family is periodically invited to sessions at our treatment center. As part of the program, your family members will learn more about your addiction, your dual diagnosis if that applies, and other issues that motivate or sustain your substance abuse.
Your family will start healing as you all address your emotions openly and honestly. Whereas before, your family may have felt like expressing anger, resentment, and sorrow would have exacerbated your addiction, these sessions are a safe place. In the counselor-led sessions, you and your family can recognize and understand the behaviors that contributed to addiction. You will communicate in a safe environment while breaking the dangerous cycle of trauma and addiction.
- The Family Program at Recovery in Motion
We don’t believe in isolating our clients from their families and friends. Some space and removal from the triggers of everyday life are often helpful but we believe that recovery from addiction requires interaction with family frequently. Often, the support you receive from your loved ones pushes you to commit more fully to your treatment. It also sets up you for lifelong sobriety and a successful transition after treatment.
Recovery in Motion provides specialized programs for family participation and visitation. Our Family Participation Program includes educational programs, recovery workshops, and other sessions designed specifically for each family unit.
