Family therapy is an essential component in treatment programs for substance use disorder (SUD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD). Why is this? Because it offers family members a chance to heal along with the person in recovery. Though it might seem daunting to bring family into the therapeutic process—especially if there are unresolved issues—the benefits are profound and can aid in the long-term success of recovery.
The Family Dynamic and Addiction
For many individuals, the development of SUD and AUD stems from a variety of sources—some of which may be deeply rooted in family history. A primary catalyst is a dysfunctional family environment, such as those characterized by substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, and even trauma from adverse childhood experiences.
The American Psychological Association defines a dysfunctional family as “a family in which relationships or communication are impaired and members are unable to attain closeness and self-expression. Members of a dysfunctional family often develop symptomatic behaviors.” A dysfunctional family presents in many ways, such as parent-child conflicts, sibling rivalry, and substance abuse. These issues often foster an environment where addictive behaviors are more likely to develop, creating a cycle that continues throughout the family tree.
A 2022 report from Rutgers University found that children of parents with AUD and SUD are at higher risk for developing similar behaviors, both due to genetic factors and the environment created by the parent. Rutgers research also suggests that “alcohol addiction is about 50 percent heritable, while addiction to other drugs is as much as 70 percent heritable.”
Moreover, the impact of intergenerational trauma—where the descendants of individuals who experienced trauma, such as Veterans or members of marginalized communities, exhibit emotional and behavioral challenges—further complicates the situation. This “generational trauma” can increase the risk of substance abuse, mental health disorders, and other behavioral problems.
The Benefits of Family Therapy in Recovery
According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 50% of Americans have a family member or friend who struggles with SUD or AUD, and about one in four children grow up in an environment where a family member has these disorders.
One of the core benefits of family therapy is that it provides a structured, moderated setting in which family members can discuss difficult issues. Whether the family is facing a history of addiction, trauma, or simply unhealthy communication patterns, this safe environment allows everyone to express their feelings, confront painful truths, and work toward resolving conflicts.
Counseling provides everyone a space to learn about the nature of the disease, the recovery process, and healthy ways to communicate and support each other. For example, family members may be trained in communication skills that reduce conflict and promote empathy—a critical component for maintaining successful recovery.
By involving the family in therapy, individuals may also feel less isolated and more empowered to continue their journey of recovery. They gain a better understanding of the broader impact of their AUD and SUD, and their loved ones are encouraged to be part of the healing process, offering emotional support, guidance, and practical strategies.
When family members work together to identify unhealthy patterns of behavior, communication, and coping strategies, they form a stronger bond to replace those behaviors with healthier alternatives. This collaborative approach increases the chances of sustained recovery for everyone involved.
Learning to Manage Expectations
No one has picture-perfect relationships that we often see in the media. So, it’s important to remember that family therapy requires patience and time. The road to healing is rarely straightforward, and progress may be slow, especially if there’s a long and tangled history of dysfunction or trauma. You might have to revisit painful topics, such as childhood experiences or past mistakes, before rebuilding trust.
A maple tree sapling doesn’t grow to full height in one year. For some families, it may take months or even years to work through the deep-rooted issues that affect their relationships. If you have a loved one who’s relied on maladaptive behaviors to cope—such as denial, manipulation, or enabling—these patterns can’t be undone overnight.
There may also be times when it becomes clear that certain relationships are too toxic to continue. It can be difficult to accept, but sometimes the best way to heal is to set boundaries or, in some cases, to end the relationship entirely. This may be a hard truth to face, but accepting and forgiving family members—or even yourself—is a transformative step toward moving forward in recovery.
Trust the Willingway Family to Help Yours
Willingway’s roots began in the more humble surroundings of the Mooney family home in the 1960s. At that time, the patients shared the house with Dr. John, Dot, and their four children. Everyone who stayed there was made to feel a part of the family.
Now, more than 50 years later, our commitment is the same. The board-certified professionals at Willingway’s Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations utilize all our experiences to ensure quality treatment for you and your loved ones in a dignified, concerned, and loving atmosphere. Whether you’re working together as a family to find the best rehab centers or are ready to commit to our five-day program, count on our dedicated team for the education and guidance you need. Ask a member of our admissions team for more details about our treatment philosophy and how we can help you and your family heal.