Take a close look at your family. For many with addiction and family dynamics that are less than ideal, many factors are at play. Past trauma and difficult living arrangements could have pushed a person towards using these substances. Blame and guilt may be present. At the same time, family members may be frustrated with loved ones who don’t seem to want to stop using. A family therapy program offers a way to overcome these challenges to create a better path forward. It’s one of the core services we offer at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center.

Addiction and Family Dynamics Often Lead to Challenges

There’s little doubt that addiction impacts a person’s mental and physical health. In some cases, it also creates damage to relationships, including those within family units. There is a range of ways this can happen:

  • Some family members may struggle with fear and anxiety over the health risks their loved one has. This can become debilitating for that individual.
  • Other times, anger is fueled by a misunderstanding of this disease. Some may wonder, “Why don’t they just stop using and stop turning their back on the family?”
  • Some may be unable to grasp that a problem exists. It may be easier to believe it’s normal and just fine for a person to use drugs and alcohol like this.
  • For a person struggling with addiction, past trauma can often be the underlying cause of mental anguish that leads to drug and alcohol use. That can create painful memories and even hate.
  • Family members may also feel responsibility and guilt about the addiction. They may wonder how they let this happen to their loved one.

There’s no right or wrong way to respond to addiction when it comes to family members. Hateful words, broken promises, and a lack of trust all build up over time. This creates a very negative situation for anyone to be in, especially if they are battling addiction.

Creating a Family Support System Is Possible

What’s most important when it comes to addiction is realizing that there’s help available to fix the family strife and difficulties. Often, this starts with education. Each person needs to understand what addiction is, how it develops, and how it is treated. This also includes learning about the progression of the condition and a person’s inability to simply stop using.

Family therapy then revolves around working through conflicts. That may mean addressing past trauma or working out hurt feelings. One of the keys to success is to ensure there’s no one to blame. It’s not about pointing fingers, but figuring out how to move forward.

In addition, family support system development is necessary. That means helping those family members who care to learn their role in supporting a loved one who is addicted to drugs or alcohol. That includes learning how to help them avoid triggers, manage stress, and get help when they need it.

Creating a Strong Family Success Plan

At Georgia Addiction Treatment Center, we recognize the need for families to change in order for a person to recover from addiction. That’s why it is one of the core programs we offer. Treatment for addiction also typically includes other therapies such as:

Explore Treatment Options at Georgia Addiction Treatment Center

Families change during addiction as fear, frustration, and anger brew. Yet, even as you begin to understand addiction and family dynamics, it’s critical to embrace therapy. During treatment, some of these difficulties can improve, and futures can brighten. The key is to get help to make that happen. Georgia Addiction Treatment Center offers that support. Reach out to us now online or call [Direct] for the support and guidance you need.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!