Entering treatment for substance use disorder is a brave, empowering first step, but it is only one step on the road to recovery. A person struggling with addiction who has decided to change their life will need support along the way. A family support program benefits the individual and family members who are also affected by the drug or alcohol use of their loved one.
Support from family and close friends can come in various forms, but one key way it helps is when you can talk through issues and concerns with people who understand where you are coming from. Clear Steps Recovery offers a family support program in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Call 603.769.8981 today for more information.
What Is a Family Support Program?
A family support program is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationships between an individual with substance use disorder and their loved ones. Family members affected by their loved one’s addiction often struggle with many emotions. They might feel angry, frustrated, or helpless. A family support program can help families to understand their loved one’s addiction and provide them with the tools they need to better cope with these emotions.
Benefits of Family Support Programs
There are several different benefits that a family support program can provide to both the individual with substance use disorder and their loved ones. Some of these benefits include:
Understanding Addiction and How It Affects the Family Relationship
Addiction is often referred to as a disease that affects the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. It is more than just a substance use issue, it can also have ramifications on the family unit as well. A family support program helps families understand this and work through the challenges they might face.
Promoting Communication
Open communication with loved ones is crucial in any addiction treatment or recovery effort. During a family support program, people can talk openly and honestly with the trained therapist. This can help the individuals and family members learn more about each other in a safe environment.
Giving Families Hope
Addiction is a disease that can seem hopeless at times. If a person is struggling with addiction, they might have tried multiple treatment options or even been unsuccessful in their recovery efforts. A family support program can help them understand that there is hope for a better future and that tools and resources are available to make this happen.
How Does a Family Support Program Work?
The specific format of family support programs will vary from one treatment facility to another. In general, these programs aim to provide a safe space where families can talk about their issues and concerns, find support from others going through similar experiences, and learn more about addiction and recovery.
A family support program might include the following:
- Group therapy sessions: In this type of therapy session, families will meet together with a therapist. They will discuss their experiences, struggles, and goals for recovery.
- Individual therapy sessions: Family members in the family support program can also meet one-on-one with a counselor to go over any specific questions or concerns that they have for their loved one’s addiction treatment or recovery process. This is often done in an effort to help the individual with addiction feel supported and heard by their loved ones.
- Family education: To better understand their loved one’s addiction, families can participate in educational sessions during a family support program that provides information on the disease of addiction and how it impacts the person struggling with it and their family members.
- Family therapy sessions: Family therapy helps individuals build a strong support network while recovering from addiction. In this type of therapy, family members will meet with a therapist to go over their experiences and learn the tools they need to cope. Family therapy sessions can also allow loved ones to express their feelings in a safe environment.
Experience the Benefits of a Family Support Program in New Hampshire
To learn more about addiction treatment and what it can do for you or your loved one, reach out to us at Clear Steps Recovery today. Our professional staff members are here to help you get the information you need to make a well-informed decision about your recovery.
We can help you to understand the disease of addiction and what factors can contribute to it, as well as give you the resources that you need for a successful recovery. Contact us online or call today at 603.769.8981 to learn more about your options.
