Substance abuse is an individual problem, but it does not exist in isolation. Family dynamics also play a role in the onset and successful treatment of substance abuse. In that sense, a family therapy program is an integral part of any successful alcohol addiction treatment program and offers benefits for both the individual and the family.

Atlanta Detox Center’s family therapy program in GA recognizes that the substance abuse problem did not appear overnight and will not go away without the mutual support of everyone in the family unit. Besides, family therapy is not for the individual alone; it helps all members within the family as well.

Recognizing the Signs of Substance Abuse

The first step in a family therapy program or other addiction treatment therapies comes before the family sits with a trained therapist.

It is when family members recognize the problem and set out to resolve it together.

Recognition is not always easy since addictions are not always as dramatic as those you see in the movies or on television. Often someone with substance abuse carries on a normal life, except for little signals that suggest something is not quite right.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the signs to look out for include:

  • Reckless behavior
  • Persistently using the drug even though it causes significant problems
  • Going through intense withdrawal every time you try to stop
  • Centering your life around the drug
  • Vowing to stop but failing
  • Odd habits, such as wearing long-sleeved shirts on hot days to cover track marks

One of these symptoms alone may not represent a problem, but clustered together may suggest it is time to get help from a residential addiction treatment program like Atlanta Detox Center. A family therapy program is often part of recovery.

The Role of Therapy in Recovery

Finding the path to sobriety is a complex challenge that is different for everyone. That is why treatment at our alcohol detox center typically begins with a thorough clinical assessment of an individual’s background and substance abuse profile.

The most successful forms of treatment, researchers have found, do not focus on a single approach. Instead, individuals are best served by a multi-faceted approach that involves detox and therapy.

Therapy is designed to help individuals understand themselves more deeply. In addition to family therapy, you will also spend time in individual sessions working with a therapist on coping mechanisms. Therapy can also include specialized treatment such as recreational therapy and creative arts therapy.

The Importance of a Family Therapy Program

A family therapy program is crucial to recovery because the family exists as a unit. There are dynamics in the family unit that may have helped fuel the substance abuse, and the impact of the substance abuse weighs heavily on the family members.

Note that not every situation calls for a family therapy program. There are some exceptions where family therapy can make things worse.

In the long view, a family therapy program focuses on finding ways to bring about productive change for the entire family. Family therapy is grounded in the idea that the family is an ecosystem, and a change to one part of the system directly impacts the others.

Stepping Toward Recovery with Family Therapy at Atlanta Detox Center

Going through drug treatment and maintaining a path to recovery requires courage and resilience. No single program will set you on the right path—evidence has shown that the most successful treatment requires a multi-faceted approach. A family therapy program is often one element of a successful recovery. We provide these programs and others at Atlanta Detox Center, including a drug detox center and a heroin addiction treatment program. Our clinical staff is experienced as well to address other forms of substance abuse, such as through our alcohol addiction treatment program. We also offer an alumni program for aftercare support to mitigate the risks of relapse. Call us at 470.450.2355 today for a confidential consultation.

Start Your Recovery Today!

If you or someone you care about has been battling addiction issues or having mental health problems, it is worth reaching out to a healthcare professional like the ones at Atlanta Detox.