Drug and Alcohol Treatment Family Program

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The family suffers from addiction in many ways. Nearly one third of U.S. families have a member suffering with a substance abuse problem. There is more divorce, domestic violence, child abuse, depression, anxiety, and general medical problems in families dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Husbands or wives of addicts can suffer from depression and anxiety. Children from families with addicts may have behavioral problems, and suffer from low self esteem and depression. As children of addicts they are more likely to suffer from depression, social maladjustment and have relationship problems. This is true even if the alcohol and drug addiction is one generation previous.

The impact of addiction on the family can be huge. Sadly, it is not only the addict that will need professional help as the whole family will need assistance in coping with a family member's addiction. Many patients will attempt to shield their family from the addiction rehabilitation process, but it is imperative that the family is a part of it. When the family of someone suffering from an addiction participates in the healing process, this can greatly improve their chances of a successful long-term recovery. This is best done and most effective in an open and safe environment. Participation in Unity's family program may seem overwhelming at first, but most family members report that they leave the program with a feeling of relief and renewed hope.

During the week the family is involved, they will develop a better understanding of their loved one's addiction as well as an understanding of the impact of the addiction on family relationships. Attending a family program also provides family members with realistic expectations of the recovery process following treatment and allows the members to respond in a "unified" way, alleviating a lot of pain and suffering for those that are involved. It is also important that the family is educated about issues such as enabling and how to react to a family member who is in denial about his or her drug use. With active participation, family members will learn about family dynamics as well as the tools needed to rebuild healthy relationships with someone in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. Unity's weekly family programs can provide valuable education on drug addiction, emotional support, as well as interactions with other families who are experiencing the same or similar issues.

If the addict and the family get into recovery, some of these benefits may begin to dissipate within a couple of years. Active participation in the companion 12-step programs such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon, family therapy, or individual counseling can help the recovery of the whole family. At Unity we will provide an entire week for the family to engage in group educational activities, role playing, and individually therapy to aid in our drug rehab programs. This will assist in helping the addict/alcoholic transition back into family life. This will also give the family a greater understanding of the disease of addiction/alcoholism and the role they may play in enabling it. It is important that the recovering person be given a fair chance at recovery and this week of family therapy should help keep expectations and boundaries within healthy limits. For relatives that can not travel and make the week of family alcohol and drug rehab therapy, we will make conference calls available for participation.