Family Counseling for Substance Abuse
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Substance Abuse Family Counseling In New Jersey
While the effects of substance abuse on an addict are widely known, addiction can impact the entire family. In fact, through a deterioration in communication between family members and through related conflicts, substance addiction can cause significant stress on familial relationships. Family therapy for substance abuse can benefit individuals as well as the family as a whole. More than that, it is often a beneficial component of the addict’s overall treatment plan.
If you are a loved one who is challenged by the effects of substance abuse on family relationships, therapy could be an effective solution. Understanding what family therapy for addiction is and what to expect from it are important first steps. What should you know about family therapy?
The Benefits of Family Therapy for Substance Abuse
Substance addiction can be a source of grief, anger, and conflict for all members of the family. Because of these factors, addiction can ultimately cause a serious strain on communication and on relationships as a whole. In addition, this stress may hamper an addict’s ability to recover.
Family therapy sessions are often led by a clinical social worker, a licensed therapist, or even a psychologist because these sessions are a type of psychological therapy. The family sessions can provide several key benefits for participants. However, individuals should be aware that therapy only provides the tools for improvement. All participants should be prepared to put forth solid effort to utilize those tools.
Improve the Lines of Communication
Improve the Lines of CommunicationSubstance abuse can result in a breakdown in the lines of communication. At the same time, it may create financial challenges, marital strife, and other issues that impact the entire family. Often, improving communication between all family members serves as a foundation for deepening understanding and strengthening bonds. Family therapy may provide individuals with essential tools that can improve communication now and well after therapy ends.
Support for Family Members
Living with a substance abuse addict can be stressful to the entire family. Likewise, the recovery process impacts all members of the family rather than only the addict. This type of family counseling in NJ offers support for individuals during a trying time. In addition, therapists and counselors often teach coping mechanisms that can be used throughout life in different stressful situations.
How to Prepare for Family Counseling in NJ
You understandably want to maximize the full benefits of your family’s therapy sessions. After all, you are seeking therapy in an effort to overcome significant adversity and to grow as a unit. At the same time, this may be your first experience with family therapy. Knowing what to expect from therapy sessions and being prepared for the experience are important to your overall experience. What should you do to prepare for your family’s therapy sessions?
Learn More About the Therapist
Finding the right therapist for your family is crucial. You can and should research therapists thoroughly before committing to a specific individual. Through online research, you can learn about a therapist’s educational background and about his or her overall experience. You may learn about a therapist’s specializations related to family therapy and drug addiction therapy. You may also look for accreditations, such as through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and other reputable industry associations.
Research the Therapist’s Availability and Office Location
Taking time out of your day to attend family therapy sessions should not be a source of stress. Pay attention to the location of a therapist’s office in relation to your home. Focus on the therapist’s office hours, and ensure that they are aligned well with your family’s availability. If it is applicable to your situation, learn if the therapist is available for after-hours communication.
Inquire About the Sessions
Typically, counseling for a family of addicts is a short-term treatment that involves several intensive sessions over the course of several weeks or months. These sessions are often slightly less than an hour in length. However, this can vary. Research how long a specific therapist’s sessions are and how many sessions the therapist often recommends for families.
Ask About Insurance Coverage and Fees
You should have a plan to pay for therapy upfront. Contact your health insurance provider to determine if family therapy sessions are covered and at what level. Then, ask a therapist who you are interested in meeting what his or her fees are per session.
Some therapists do not file directly with insurance companies. Instead, they may require you to pay the full fee upfront at each session and to file an insurance claim yourself. It may also be helpful to understand the therapist’s cancellation policy.
What to Expect from Counseling
Depending on your family’s unique circumstances, one, several, or all family members may meet with the therapist together or individually. Counseling gives family members the opportunity to:
- Express feelings and thoughts productively
- Identify behavior patterns, rules, and issues that contribute to stress or conflict
- Look for productive ways to resolve conflict
- Identify the family’s weaknesses that may need to be worked on and their strengths
- Learn coping strategies and communication skills
- Establish family goals and monitor progress
Realistic Results from Family Therapy for Addiction
You should have realistic expectations for counseling for a family of addicts. Family conflict can be uncomfortable and stressful for all involved, and counseling will not resolve all conflicts. Instead, it provides you with a way to better understand each other and tools to improve relationships. Hard work, patience, and a strong desire to move forward together as a family are important for superior results from family therapy for substance abuse.
Contact Lifetime Recovery
Lifetime Recovery is an established, reputable substance abuse treatment center. One of the many services that this outpatient facility provides is family counseling in NJ. If you believe that professional counseling would benefit you or your family members, contact Lifetime Recovery today to learn more about family therapy.
