Family Therapy for Addiction Recovery in Denver, CO
Family Therapy for Addiction Recovery
What Is Family Therapy?
Family therapy is evidence-based to help families improve communication, resolve interpersonal conflicts, and build stronger, healthier relationships. Evidence-based family therapy is based on research that identifies the most effective therapeutic techniques and approaches.
Family therapy for addiction recovery is more likely to help family members stay in treatment, stop misusing substances, and stay sober.1 By understanding how addiction has affected each person in the family, they can learn to grow from the pain, fear, and codependency of addiction.
This form of therapy is grounded in the belief that the family is a system, and problems that affect one part of the system affect the entire family. By addressing the problem together, families can take steps toward strengthening their bonds.
Unlike other forms of therapy that may be based on tradition or intuition, evidence-based family therapy uses scientific research to inform its methods. This means the treatment continually evolves and adapts as new research becomes available.
How Addictions Affect Families
Alcohol and drug addiction can heavily impact families. While battling a substance use disorder (SUD) is a personal experience, addiction can have short- and long-term effects on families.
One study found that one in 10 children under 18 years old live with at least one adult who has a SUD. The National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare states that in 2019, parental substance use was responsible for 38.9% of the cases in which children were removed from their homes.2
While trust can be broken, there are ways to rebuild it within the family.
Family programs for addiction recovery can include a range of therapies, support groups, family days, parenting classes, play therapy for children, and more to improve family relationships and support the person in recovery.
Benefits of Family Counseling and Therapy
Family therapy in recovery can benefit each member and the entire family. The goal is to improve communication and recognize behaviors that enable unhealthy behaviors, but there are more benefits to improving the family unit.
There are several benefits of family therapy, including:
- Better treatment retention
- Deeper understanding of addiction’s impact
- More substantial family support in recovery
- Clear expectations for treatment and recovery
- Greater awareness of relapse signs
- Positive changes in family communication
- Strengthening family dynamics
- Lower relapse risk
- Emphasizing family responsibility for well-being
By addressing the negative behaviors affecting a family — like enabling and codependency — the chances of a loved one entering and staying in addiction recovery increase significantly. Their likelihood of maintaining long-term sobriety also increases when everyone takes action to own their role in recovery.
How Does Family Therapy Work?
Family therapy and counseling for addiction treatment typically involve a family meeting with a therapist or family members attending group sessions with other family members and the family therapist.
The goals of family therapy include:
- Decreasing stress
- Developing coping skills
- Helping families work together to resolve problems
What to Expect During Family Therapy
The first evidence-based family therapy session typically involves assessing the family’s needs and goals. The therapist then works with the family to identify specific issues that need to be addressed and develops a treatment plan based on those needs.
Following sessions will involve the family working together to achieve those goals, with the therapist providing guidance and support as needed.
The length of treatment will vary depending on the family’s specific needs and goals, but family therapy is generally shorter than other forms of therapy. The therapist will work with the family to monitor progress throughout treatment and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure that the therapy is effective and beneficial for all family members.
Types of Family Therapies for Addiction Recovery
The family counselor may use different therapies based on the family’s specific issues.
Some therapies used in family therapy for addiction recovery include:
BCT can help couples where one person is experiencing SUD learn abstinence, parenting, communication, and problem-solving skills in a more traditional environment with a marriage family therapist.
BSTF focuses on the whole family by assessing unhealthy behaviors and improving family interactions to stop substance misuse or prevent relapse.
BFT is a type of therapy that uses positive reinforcement to promote healthy behaviors.
CRAFT is a contingency management program designed to teach families how to reward behaviors that lead to treatment and recovery quickly and intensely (typically through six sessions).
These groups allow family members to connect with others who are experiencing similar situations related to SUDs while giving them perspective on how others are enabling or helping loved ones.
FFT is a brief and intense treatment model that acknowledges family behaviors that encourage or hinder risky behaviors connected to substance misuse and how to change those behaviors through engagement and motivation.
SFBT helps families set goals for addiction recovery and actionable steps to resolve problems and achieve those goals with a marriage and family therapist.
MDFT focuses on treating adolescents and young adults with SUDs and their family members by teaching them problem-solving, communication, and coping skills.
Tree House Recovery offers educational sessions and support groups for families struggling with addiction in Denver. You can learn more about our family program and our family therapist by calling our admissions team at (720) 640-0202 today.
Is Family Therapy Right for Everyone?
Not every family will benefit from family counseling for recovery. In some instances, family therapy can do more harm than good.
Family therapy might not benefit families with:
- A current or past history of violence or abuse
- An ongoing addiction themselves
- Untreated mental health conditions that could interfere with addiction recovery
- An unwillingness or inability to participate consistently
- Denial that a patient’s substance use is a problem
If the family therapist believes that a family member is not benefiting from family therapy, they may work with the person in recovery to establish boundaries and coping skills.
How Else You Can Support a Loved One in Addiction Treatment?
There are many ways to support your loved one, whether they are considering addiction treatment or are already on the path to recovery.
One of the most important ways to offer support is to stay involved in the patient’s recovery after treatment.
Your participation and support can make a significant difference in their journey. It’s essential to be patient as they navigate life changes, and acknowledging their successes — no matter how small — can help them feel encouraged.
At the same time, it is important to prioritize your own well-being by seeking support and taking action to care for yourself. Joining support groups and family therapy programs can be especially helpful as your loved one works to reclaim their life from addiction.
Find a Family Therapist Near Me
Are you interested in exploring family therapy as an option for your family? Tree House Recovery understands the importance of family for many people experiencing SUD and offers a family support and education group to help family members with loved ones experiencing addiction.
Find a family therapist in Denver who is specifically trained and experienced and has a track record of success and support at our rehab facility in Colorado.
Call Tree House Recovery at (720) 640-0202 today to learn more about our family program and the family therapists who lead each therapy and support session.
Family Therapy Near Me for Addiction Recovery
Tree House Recovery in Denver offers a comprehensive therapy program for families that includes evidence-based approaches such as support groups and educational sessions for families.
We believe in taking a holistic approach to therapy to help heal the whole family while loved ones focuse on healing from their addiction.
Our family program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each family, and we are dedicated to helping families overcome challenges and build a stronger, more supportive family unit. We work closely with families to develop personalized treatment plans that incorporate evidence-based therapies proven to be effective.
Contact our team today to learn more about our family therapy program and other services we offer. Call us today at (720) 640-0202 to start your journey towards stronger, healthier family relationships.
It's Lifestyle Recovery
There is a Better Way to Overcome Addiction – A Health-Centered Program.
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Author
Robert Funk: Addiction Writer
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Substance use disorder treatment and family therapy. Treatment improvement protocol (TIP) series, no. 39. SAMHSA publication no. Pep20-02-02-012. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
- National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. (2019). Child welfare and alcohol and drug use statistics.