When a loved one is trying to recover from addiction, most people are ill-equipped to handle the stress associated with trying to support someone trying to manage a substance use disorder. Those in recovery are vulnerable; people don’t want to say or do the wrong thing and end up setting back their loved one’s progress. Rockland Recovery may be the best choice for you if you are looking for family program treatment options in Massachusetts.
At Rockland Recovery, we believe nurturing connections is necessary for lasting healing. Our welcoming and experienced staff are ready to provide you and your loved one with the support and guidance you need to maintain a sober, healthier lifestyle. Contact us at 855.732.4842 to learn about our addiction treatment programs.
What Is a Family Recovery Program?
A family recovery program is a group therapy usually included in addiction treatment programs. In this type of therapy, clients trying to recover from addiction and their loved ones will meet with a mental health professional to work on the client’s substance use disorder. It is intended to both educate and support the client and their loved ones so that they can manage the challenges of addiction recovery. With this in mind, some of the goals of a family recovery program are:
- Help the client’s loved ones understand the causes of substance abuse and its effects on someone’s body and brain chemistry.
- Identify and change family behaviors that are detrimental to recovery.
- Prepare the client’s family members for what they can expect to happen during detox, early recovery, and long-term recovery.
- Through instruction, increase the family’s support of the client as they work on their recovery.
- Make family members aware of the early warning signs for relapse and give them strategies to avoid or address them.
Family Program Preparation Guide
Starting an addiction treatment program may seem like a daunting task. For family members to adequately prepare to support their loved one through recovery, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Not every family member or friend would support someone’s recovery journey. Identifying the people who wouldn’t undermine the family therapy process is important.
- Attending therapy will be time-consuming and sometimes expensive. Be prepared to commit to the time and money required to complete treatment.
- The more the family knows or understands about addiction treatment and recovery, the easier it would be to progress to actual problem-solving instead of spending time on instruction. Many reputable online resources can be read before their first therapy session.
- It is important to keep an open mind. In therapy, people can hear things that can feel unpleasant. It is important not to feel defensive. Remember that the therapist leading the discussion will ensure constructive conversation.
- Family members should be honest about their feelings and should not hesitate to ask questions. The therapist would not be able to address a problem they were unaware of.
- Focus on the loved one battling addiction. While family therapy is done with the family as a unit, they must never forget the primary goal of helping their loved one with their recovery from addiction.
- Manage the family’s expectations. Recovery is a long, complicated process. Therapy could take months before any improvement can be seen.
Get a Family Program in Massachusetts at Rockland Recovery
Rockland Recovery in Weymouth, Massachusetts, offers a safe, judgment-free environment for clients to recover. Our wide array of evidence-based and holistic therapies is designed to give our clients and their families the right support for every stage of recovery. If you believe your family would benefit from a family recovery program, contact us at 855.732.4842 today to get started.
