Having a loved one slip into addiction is an emotionally, mentally, and psychologically challenging time for any family. It makes them question everything while not knowing where to begin with. Such overwhelming emotions can limit one’s ability to have hope while offering love and support to the individual undergoing addiction treatment and recovery.
In such cases, family interventions for addiction can be immensely helpful in eradicating the root causes leading to the addiction and teaching coping mechanisms that are constructive (and not dismissive). Family therapy can also benefit units that have a history of addiction and are trying to break the generational cycle.
Here are more benefits to discover:
- Breaks the Underlying Patterns
Addiction is a family disease, and therapy can help resolve underlying patterns effectively. Most intervention plans combine techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), journaling, writing letters to self or others in the family, restructuring family dynamics, encouraging positive and supportive communication, eliminating toxic positivity practices, and replacing them with more meaningful and constructive interactions. The chances of resurgence are significantly reduced when the underlying patterns are addressed and eliminated.
- Allows Individuals to Express Themselves
In most households with an addiction problem, conflicts become common, and emotions are constantly clouding one’s ability to see the real issues. As a result, communication is severely impacted, making it further difficult for family members to interact without reacting. With adequate intervention and therapy, families can understand the more profound impact of their words on a person with addiction and work towards finding more constructive ways to express their emotions, feelings, and expectations in an impactful way.
- Significantly Reduces Abandonment/Isolation
People with an addiction problem, when in recovery, tend to feel ashamed or guilty of their past behaviors. Due to this, they tend to avoid meeting their friends and family by significantly reducing their social interactions. They may also cancel plans or make excuses to spend time alone. While these occurrences may seem ordinary, they are far from it in reality.
Isolation during recovery can increase the chances of relapse or, in the worst cases, trigger suicidal tendencies. With family intervention, members can be made aware of the potential signs of isolation to look for. On the other hand, it also educates them about the true causes of the addiction, develops compassion, and encourages the person’s involvement instead of abandoning them.
- Helps Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries enables a family to protect themselves from harm (especially if the person is undergoing extensive withdrawal symptoms) while encouraging recovery. Boundaries also help family members prioritize their needs instead of constantly attending to the individual. As the person with addiction realizes the responsibility they have to attend to their well-being, they can dedicate themselves more to the treatment and recovery process.
- Rebuilds Trust and Brings Everyone Together
Trust is a vital element in any family structure. It enables people to open up about their struggles and need for help with transparency. In households that are struggling with addiction recovery or treatment, trust takes a massive hit. Family members tend to become more suspicious and may try to control actions or constantly monitor the person.
Not only does it interfere with one’s private space, but it also keeps them on the edge at all times. When trust is rebuilt in the family, they are more likely to enjoy things they used to do together with more joy and a feeling of contentment.
Bottomline
Family intervention can be beneficial in bringing together families so that they can offer support, comfort, and love to the person recovering from addiction. These sessions also help families reclaim their lives without compromising their lifestyle and hobbies.
Support from loved ones is a crucial factor that can determine the success of the recovery process, and these interventions equip every family with resources, knowledge, and pragmatic coping skills that help them put aside the past and become a functional family unit again.
