What is the need for addiction rehabilitation? How can addiction impact the family of the individual? How can family therapy be useful in addiction rehabilitation? What is the most suitable way of helping the one who is suffering from addictive behaviour as well as the family of that person?
As a caregiver, it can be natural to have doubts and queries regarding the treatment process. Through this blog, we have tried covering all of your concerns regarding the role of family therapy in the addiction rehabilitation process.
Insights About Addiction
The feeling of powerlessness, the urge to engage in the behaviour despite knowing its consequences and constantly failing to manage the behaviour can be a few basic ways for understanding addiction. There has been a lot of research indicating the science behind addictive behaviour. One might get addicted to substances, drugs, or certain activities such as gambling, internet usage, sexual behaviour etc.
Addictive behaviour can lead to a deteriorating impact on physical health, social relationships, and occupational functioning. The family members might also have to experience stress because of the individual going through addiction. The family dynamics can change due to emotional strain, there can be a disruption in daily life and the children can also be impacted.
If you or your loved ones are experiencing some signs of addiction then it is always better to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. It is rightly said that the first step can be the most difficult of all however to ensure one’s well-being an individual must gather courage and take that initial step of seeking help.
Rehabilitation for Addiction
The rehabilitation process involves the patient staying at the rehab centre under the supervision of mental health experts so that the addictive behaviour can be better understood and managed. Rehabilitation is usually advised by professionals when the severity of addiction is high, the person may find it difficult to carry on with even daily activities, the level of social support is minimal, and the person may also be at risk of harming self or others.
At a rehabilitation centre, one can get round-the-clock support depending upon the facilities available at that particular rehab. Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, proficient therapists and paramedical staff can be important pillars of a notable rehabilitation centre. Consistent monitoring by professionals helps in closely charting the progress of the individual and developing the treatment plan accordingly.
Finalizing a rehab centre can be an important part of the recovery journey and therefore it is suggested that one be mindful of the choice one makes. The individual, caregivers and healthcare professionals can together make an informed choice regarding the most suitable rehabilitation centre depending on concerns, needs, facilities and so on.
Impact of Addiction on Family
Each family member may be uniquely impacted because of the concerns related to addiction. For example, while the parents of a middle-aged addicted individual may be concerned about the well-being of their child, finances, and their safety, the children of this same middle-aged person may be confused about the changing behaviour of the parent, the decreased family time and so on. While this is just a hypothetical example, it can help us learn how each member of the family might face negative consequences because of a member’s addictive behaviour.
Some of the commonly observed effects that a family may face as a consequence of one member’s addictive behaviour include
- Financial challenges
- Conflicts at home
- Emotional strain
- Risk of violence
- Risk of emotional and sexual abuse
- Risk of children also becoming addicted
It can be noted that the family may go through several changes and therefore while helping the individual who is addicted, it can also be pivotal to provide necessary support to the family members.
What is Family Therapy?
A lot of prestigious rehabilitation centres such as Athena Behavioral Health in Delhi NCR, India offer family therapy. Family therapy can be said as a very broad way of describing the multiple therapeutic modalities used for helping families resolve the emotional concerns with the help of a qualified professional. The various areas wherein a family therapist might focus include:
- Interpersonal relationships of family members
- Improving communication within family
- Restrengthening family bonds
- Addressing unresolved conflicts
- Encouraging healthy ways for resolving conflicts
These are a few basic areas which can be the focus points for a family counselling session.
Family Therapy and Addiction
Family can play a key role in the addiction recovery journey by actively participating in the family counselling session. Here are some possible benefits that the family members as well as the addicted person might experience through family counselling sessions:
- Finding a safe space for expressing oneself
- Building resilience together
- Learning about coping skills together as a family
- Improving problem-solving skills
- Addressing the changing family dynamics
The rehabilitation centres can provide specific timing and duration that would be set apart for family therapy sessions so that families can make the most of these sessions being conducted systematically.
Family Therapy with Prominent Experts of Athena Behavioral Health
Athena Behavioral Health in Delhi NCR, India is a mental health hospital that offers support for varying mental health disorders including but not limited to addiction-related concerns. We have the provision of both in-patient and out-patient treatment facilities.
Our proficient panel of mental health professionals understand and appreciate the importance of family counselling as a part of the recovery journey. Thus, we have designated rooms for counselling sessions with skilled psychologists to help not just the patient but also the caregivers.
In case you have any queries please feel free to connect with us via mail at customercare@athenabhs.com or you can also call us at +91 9289086193 and one of our team members will be there to assist you promptly!
FAQs
Question 1 – Can family systems therapy help with the addiction recovery journey?
Answer 1 – Family system therapy is a therapeutic tool that professionals use as per the concerns if they find it to be beneficial for specific family-related sessions.
Question 2 – What can families for coping with a loved one’s addiction-related issues?
Answer 2 – Families can seek help from a family therapist to better understand their concerns and work on them in a safe environment. They can try coping skills and engage in self-care to help themselves.
Question 3 – Explain the role of the family in the rehabilitation process.
Answer 3 – Families can play a huge role in the rehabilitation process by supporting the member who is addicted, being informed about concerns and the treatment process, and actively participating in family therapy sessions.
Question 4 – What can be the parent’s role in the addiction recovery journey?
Answer 4 – Parents can help their child by seeking proper professional help and supporting their child in the recovery journey. They can also seek help to cope with the stress that they might be facing.
Question 5 – Do all rehabilitation facilities provide family counselling sessions?
Answer 5 – While family counselling sessions can be a crucial part of the recovery journey, it is important to have open communication regarding the therapeutic modalities offered at the rehab centre.
