Family Therapy For Addiction Treatment in Fort Lauderdale
Just as the whole family suffers when one member is an addict, the whole family is part of the recovery process. Without a family recovery program, family members may suffer effects that last a lifetime. Research and our own experience tell us that the chances of successful long-term recovery increase dramatically when the family participates in the healing process. Your participation in the recovery process is imperative.
Addiction is called “a family disease” for good reason. You all are in pain. If you are reading this and finally reaching out, it is more than likely that you are at a crisis level. The traumatization and stress caused by substance use disorders, alcoholism, and addiction, can last a lifetime if the healing process does not ever begin. In an effort to cope with this uncontrollable situation, you may have resorted to hiding the truth, avoiding genuine connection to minimize painful conversations, and feeling intense levels of guilt and shame. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
The biggest lessons for family members come from understanding that you can’t control your loved one’s drug or alcohol addiction, but you can take responsibility for your own health and happiness. Our drug and alcohol rehab in Fort Lauderdale can help you and your family recover together.
What to Expect from a Family Therapy Program in Florida
Our Family Programs educate families about the disease of addiction and the different ways family members are affected. You will learn to :
- Work through the chaos you’ve experienced
- Set healthy boundaries
- Rebuild trusting relationships
Participation in a family program may initially bring up feelings of anxiety and stress, but we can assure you that over time, you will have a sense of relief, renewed hope, and realistic expectations about recovery.
What's the Role of Codependency in Addiction?
One of the issues that many families that are dealing with substance use disorder is codependency. Codependency occurs when one family member adapts their daily routine to meet the needs of dysfunctional family members. This results in the codependent individual neglecting their own needs and putting their priorities on the back burner in order to meet the requests of another family member, oftentimes due to worrying about this family member.
Some symptoms of codependent behavior within a family unit can include:
- consistent worry and stress over another family member’s behaviors, needs, or consequences resulting from an addiction
- neglecting to meet one’s own needs
- mood swings, specifically anger
- utilizing unhealthy coping behaviors in order to deal with unwanted feelings (drug use, oversleeping, etc.)
- matching moods of the loved one that’s struggling with addiction
- overreacting to situations and behaviors that have to do with a loved one’s addiction
- denying that a loved one is struggling with addiction and making excuses for their behaviors
Addressing Enabling Behavior in Family Therapy for Addiction
Enabling is another common response to a family member’s addiction. While many people believe that enabling behaviors may be helpful, in reality, they aren’t. It’s important that family members of people who are living with addiction understand and redirect their enabling behaviors in order to support their loved ones in healthy ways.
Some examples of enabling behaviors can include:
- giving a loved one living with addiction means to use by providing transportation, money, and even living facilities
- using addictive substances yourself or with a loved one struggling with addiction
- neglecting to share how you feel in order to keep the family atmosphere peaceful
- taking the blame for an addictive loved one’s behaviors
- keeping an addicted loved one from experiencing the consequences of their addiction
Heal Your Family Dynamic With Agape Treatment Center
Throughout the family program at Agape Wellness, families will be able to identify and work on the issues that arise as a result of addiction in the family, including codependency and enabling behaviors. When families come together to work on themselves and get the help they need, they are better equipped to support both themselves and their addicted family members. For help navigating addiction in your family, call Agape Treatment in Fort Lauderdale. We can help restore your family dynamic and move forward on a path toward healing with your loved ones!
- February 22, 2023
- Updated Date: October 2, 2024
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Stephanie Robilio is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
