Role of Family Therapy in Alcohol Addiction Treatmen
Everywhere in the world, cases of alcohol addiction are at a rise, modern lifestyle is an important contributing factor in increase in number of such cases.
In most cases of alcoholism, it is noticed that family is impacted as much as the patient. Family members suffer equally, when a member of the family is diagnosed with alcohol addiction problem. In developing countries like India such cases have become the reasons of broken relationships, divorce, suicide, legal problems, financial losses, violence, abuse and early death.
To curb alcohol addiction, various scientific and evidence based changes have been made in recovery programs. In other words, rehabilitation centres are trying new techniques and among these techniques “Family Therapy” has shown great results. Alcoholism rehabilitation centres across the world are embracing the new therapy. There is an increasing trend to combine substance abuse therapy with family therapy for best results.
What is “Family Therapy”?
It is about increasing emphasis on the involvement of family members in the recovery process of the patient suffering from alcohol addiction. A family therapist focuses on the emotional health of an each family member not just one member, who has been diagnosed with the addiction. Family therapy focuses on interdependent nature of relationship and how these relationships influence the family members. The therapist helps the family members bring changes in their behaviour and complex relation pattern so as to bring a productive change in family which will help in recovery of the member suffering from alcoholism. In other words, the therapist uses family’s strength and resources to find the best ways to reduce or completely eliminate addiction.
Family Therapy is an effective way in both inpatient and outpatient treatment process. During the therapy, members are taught to recognize the negative behaviour patterns. Therapy alerts the patient’s family members about addictive behaviour and signs so that they do not ignore or unintentionally assist patient’s addiction. The therapist helps the family to breakaway form roles of enablers and co-dependents.
It teaches members how to control anger, negative and expressed emotions in fact teaches them how to positively reinforce sobriety and hence helps the addicted to recover and stay sober. It establishes communication within members of family, helps in expressing emotions and empowers them to play a defined role in the life of addicted family member.
Some of the commonly used family therapy techniques are
Brief strategic
Family behaviour therapy
Functional
Multidimensional
Multisystemic family therapy
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