If you’re not abusing drugs yourself, it may seem silly to attend a group therapy session, even if you do have an addicted loved one. However, it’s not just the addicts themselves who are hugely affected by addiction, nor are they the only ones who can benefit from knowledge. Addiction isn’t an isolated problem; it involves and causes a whole lot of others.
Family rehab isn’t about sharing culpability for someone’s addiction; it’s a chance for everyone to get their thoughts in the air. You didn’t cause your loved one’s addiction, nor can you cure it, but you can help. Part of that is educating yourself. You can’t get that entirely from books; sometimes you need to hear an addict speak directly from the heart.
During orientation a family counselor will teach you the fundamentals of family drug addiction rehab, what to expect, and the costs. You will also have to fill out a questionnaire or undergo a survey to help determine your needs. You only have to do this once.
A typical family counseling program will involve several weeks of education and meetings, with different topics. Communication, codependency, enabling, and boundaries will certainly be covered, as will the familial nature of alcoholism and other substance addictions.
These groups typically meet for several months. Many parents feel that only other parents can understand their situation, so these groups are popular.
These particular groups are for conveying improvements and setbacks to licensed counselors. In times of concern, struggles, and triumphs, it’s easy to take a misstep.
Aftercare is a broad term for long-term addiction treatment services. It begins while the patient is in treatment and continues for one year after discharge. It takes place in either a group setting led by trained aftercare facilitators or some other sober-minded activity, so long as it demands regular attendance.
Al-Anon is a 12-step program for anyone who has been affected by someone else’s addiction, whether or not they have an addiction themselves. AA helps loved ones create a more peaceful lifestyle. They’re completely free and they can be found almost anywhere.
At some facilities, short days-long workshops are available by appointment. They’re meant for people just emerging from rehab and are intended primarily to help transition the patient toward some of the more rigorous treatments outlined above.
Family counseling services are of great importance to us here at Sustain, since we recognize addiction is a family problem. To get started with our recovery services, give us a call at 949-407-9052
