In family therapy, family members will participate in treatment along with their loved one suffering from addiction. A family therapy program will be designed based on the individual needs of the individual and each family. For example, the requirements of a married couple in a family therapy program may differ from that of a single parent and their children or that of a blended family. This flexibility in a family therapy program is intended to accommodate many different individuals, group dynamics and circumstances.
The goal of all family therapy programs, however, is the same — to educate the family about addiction. Understanding the process of recovery enables the family to support the recovering individual as best as possible after rehab. This understanding can improve family members’ accountability for their behavior. The sessions designed for the family members only (without the recovering individual) can give them the specific support they need. Like showing them how to help their loved one after treatment.