There may be many reasons why you should talk to your family about addiction. Whether there’s a generational history of substance and alcohol abuse or you need more support for your sobriety journey, everyone deserves a chance to heal. Here are some of the ways rehabilitation can help.  

Addiction is a Family Disease

Is addiction hereditary? To some degree, yes. Research indicates that 40–60 percent of addiction risk factors are biological. The Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis states that “a common genetic signature may increase a person’s risk of developing substance use disorders, regardless of whether the addiction is to alcohol, tobacco, cannabis or opioids.”

Why might this be? Washington University researchers note that “the risk of developing substance use disorders is influenced by the complex interplay of genetics and environment.” 

In fact, The Partnership to End Addiction explains that every person may have numerous risk factors that could potentially lead to substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD)—many of which are rooted in genetics and environment. Environmental factors include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Emotional and mental health stability, not only one’s own, but also that of people in the household 
• Adverse childhood experiences, which include different types of abuse, trauma, domestic and community violence, and others 

Additionally, the Washington University study pointed to evidence that “the genetic signature associated with increased risk of multiple substance use disorders also was linked to an increased likelihood of developing other health problems, including bipolar disorder, suicidal behavior, respiratory disease, heart disease, and chronic pain.” 

5 Reasons Why Family Counseling is Essential to Recovery
Family counseling plays a crucial role in addiction recovery by addressing numerous issues that are often part of close relationships. Honest therapy helps create a more conducive environment for someone in recovery to maintain sobriety and work towards a healthier future. Here are some of the topics that often need more dedicated focus. 

Codependency 

This trait may be present when family members enable the behavior of someone with SUD or AUD or are overly affected by it. By recognizing and changing these dynamics, the family becomes a more supportive and healthier environment for each person in the unit, including the individual in recovery.

Communication 

Addiction frequently causes strained and dysfunctional communication within families. Counseling provides a safe space for family members to learn effective communication strategies, express their feelings, and rebuild trust. Improved communication is the key to reduce misunderstandings and conflicts that can trigger relapse.

Education and awareness 

Many people may not fully understand SUD or AUD and its impact on both the individual in recovery and their family. Counseling sessions provide education about addiction, its causes, and its effects, helping family members develop empathy and compassion.

Setting boundaries 

It’s critical to learn how to establish healthy boundaries with someone in recovery. Whether this foundation is emotional, mental, financial, or something else, clear and consistent boundaries protect everyone and encourage personal responsibility. 

Support and healing 

Addiction often leaves a trail of emotional wounds within families. Therapy provides a supportive environment for family members to express their own pain and emotions related to SUD and AUD. This healing process helps repair damaged relationships and encourages everyone to start rebuilding connections.

How Seabrook’s Family Matrix Program Can Help You
Seabrook is proud to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. This organization promotes best-practices in the fields of behavioral health and evidence-based addiction recovery. With our Family Matrix Program, we emphasize the role of the family throughout residential and outpatient treatment. 

Families begin to heal and strengthen bonds strained by addiction during this three-day, shared family experience. Offered in a group setting that creates a sense of safety and acceptance, Seabrook’s Family Matrix encourages loved ones to explore relationships and discuss addiction-related topics in-depth. Our team will meet you where you are and provide the tools your family needs to achieve freedom and restoration from substance misuse. 

Sessions include:

• Discovering common goals
• Identifying enabling behaviors
• Learning about the disease of addiction
• Setting appropriate boundaries
• Understanding the latest evidence-based research on SUD and AUD

Once families have a clear picture of how addiction affects individual members and hijacks family dynamics, they can begin restructuring relationships with a new sense of hope as the process of recovery takes shape. Seabrook’s experienced and dedicated counselors use vision boards and mindfulness techniques to help family members solidify the Family Matrix experience with common goals that propel the group forward with a new spirit. Call our New Jersey facility today to put your family on a journey of healing.