Family therapy and rehab are very important to Christian drug rehab centers as they acknowledge the immeasurable value of and the role of the family in the recovery process of individuals suffering from substance abuse disorder. A family is distinct from social support groups because of the strong emotional bond as well as level and duration of commitment. Ultimately, the members of the family have as much stake in the treatment process as that of the recovering addict.
Because family is regarded as a basic system wherein the parts are connected and affect each other, family therapy is most commonly included in Christian drug rehab programs. Family therapy is a therapeutic technique that is anchored on the belief that the strength of the family can bring about positive changes in various problems like drug addiction.
Therapeutic Factors of Family Therapy and Rehab
Many types of research that were conducted on family therapy and rehab affirm the effectiveness of this treatment method in helping drug-dependent individuals recover from substance abuse. There are several factors that account for the efficacy of family therapy such as:
- It provides a neutral setting wherein family members can regularly meet and rationally talk about and solve their issues.
- Acceptance from the therapist or counselor.
- The presence of an addiction therapist who encourages, mediates and restructures issues among members of the family, particularly problems that are sensitive and never discussed.
- It provides a venue for every member of the family to communicate their feelings, something that is difficult or even impossible if the family is left on their own.
Advantages of Family Therapy and Rehab in the Treatment of Substance Abuse
While it has long been established that family therapy generally contributes to the achievement of substance abuse treatment goals, this treatment model also offers specific advantages such as the following:
- The family members learn a lot of information about the disease of addiction.
There are many misconceptions about substance abuse disorder which makes it more difficult for the members of the family to fully understand what the addicted person is going through. This misinformation is addressed during therapy which helps the family in dealing with the situation in a more appropriate manner.
- The family learns the value of “tough love”.
Unfortunately, few families are aware that they contribute to the problem because they are playing the enabler role. Participating in family therapy will help the members understand that “tough love” is also needed to help their loved one in his recovery journey.
- The bond among family members is deepened in a more meaningful way.
It is a fact that drug addiction does not only affect the drug dependent but his entire family as well. This issue can ruin family relationships when left unaddressed. Family therapy sessions help promote healing in the family structure, mainly through the intervention of a trained counselor.
- This therapeutic technique helps the family to prepare for aftercare support.
Once the patient is done with the formal rehab program, he has no other choice but to rely heavily on his family for support to remain sober. While rehab facilities offer aftercare activities and programs, they can only do so much. Fortunately, during family therapy and rehab sessions, the family members are being prepared (little by little) to take on the responsibility of assisting the patient when the time comes.
The benefits described above are just some of the tangible ways family therapy can assist the recovering addict to achieve long-term sobriety and purposeful life. It is important to note, however, that for counselors and treatment specialists in Christian drug rehab centers, family therapy or the strong involvement of the family in the rehab process provide unquantifiable value not only to the patient but to the entire family as well.
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