Safe haven Recovery

A major goal of family addiction therapy is to help family members understand how addiction affects them and give them tools for improving their relationships. Addictions sometimes occur because of dysfunction at home and therapy gives family members a way to understand risk factors and do what they can to prevent them. Our Florida addiction treatment center professionals will uncover these issues, and work toward tangible solutions.

 

Everyone is vulnerable when addiction in present in the home. Growing up in a home with addicted parents increases a child’s risk of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect are all harmful to the psychological health of children. As adults, they often struggle with low self-esteem, and they have higher rates of alcoholism, drug abuse and addiction, divorce and domestic violence.

 

How Does Family Therapy Work?

A healthy family takes work, especially when a household deals with addiction. At Safe Haven, family therapy focuses on dynamics that contribute to addictive behavior, helps members overcome resistance to change, destroys barriers to communication and helps family members interact in a positive way.

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Benefits of Family Addiction Therapy in Florida

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• Better understanding of the nature of addiction and how it affects behavior: This is accomplished through education. Just as the person has been assessed, the family has an opportunity for self-assessment and insight from a therapist.

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• Becoming aware of family dynamics: Maladaptive family patterns will contribute to continued substance use. Everyone in the system should be treated to obtain the most positive outcome.

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• Improving communication: In a system where there may have been no communication or limited emotional involvement, improved communication is essential and will require an investment by those interested in the most successful recovery outcomes.

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• Regaining trust: Dishonesty and substance abuse sometimes go hand in hand. Family members may not want to open their hearts (or their wallets) to help a loved one who has betrayed their trust. Improved communication, honest interaction and witnessing positive changes can help mend this breach.

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• Sharing feelings: During active addiction, bridges can be burned. Family members may be angry but unable to express it, they may fear relapse or they may be excited at the possibility of reconciliation. It takes time to learn how to recognize, balance and express these feelings.

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• Setting boundaries: This applies to everyone involved. Clarifying boundaries is not easy. But it is a necessary step toward healthy recovery for the family. This may include detaching from any family member in active addiction.

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• Learning self-care: In addiction treatment, the focus is on the person with the addiction. During family therapy, a parent or spouse may learn that they need help, too. They may be directed to try Al-Anon, Nar-Anon or other mutual help groups in addition to finding an individual therapist.