Family therapy plays a central role in treatment for many New Paradigm Recovery clients. Additionally, we work with clients to address deeply rooted family system issues.
Family systems play multiple roles in developing addictive disorders and, conversely, in helping overcome them. Evidence suggests individuals may inherit addictive disorders, such as alcohol and substance use disorders. Evidence shows that people with a family history of addiction are more likely to experience addiction in their lifetime. Additionally, living with family members and loved ones affected by addictive disorders can be traumatic. This trauma may lead to emotional distress and mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. Families with untreated or unaddressed problematic substance use may foster an environment in which other family members believe that problematic substance use is normal or even encouraged. The trauma and emotional impacts of living in a family affected by addiction can cause other family members to self-medicate. Self-medication further perpetuates the downward spiral of family system dysfunction.
Relationships between substance use disorders and family system dynamics can be complicated and impact many family members. Family problems caused by living with active addiction are not limited to mental and physical health threats. Addiction can expose people to financial loss, legal problems, estrangement, divorce, and other serious negative life experiences. Education and retirement financial resources may be lost to support problem substance use. Breadwinners experiencing addiction may be at a higher risk for job loss due to the side effects of their addiction. Family members in active addiction can feel guilty that their health problem is endangering the welfare of loved ones. Furthermore, loved ones can also feel guilty that they are unable to stop the painful cycle of addiction and mental health disorders.
For these reasons and more, successfully treating addiction requires assessing the family system. We do this to help the identified client and their affected family members. Educating family members and helping multiple members make changes at the family level is often necessary to support recovery for one or all of its members.
New Paradigm’s Approach to Family Therapy
New Paradigm Recovery offers a strong focus on family systems. We offer family support groups as well as family therapy sessions. We also understand that all families are different. Family members do not have to be related, and life partners do not need to be married. No matter one’s relationship with blood relatives, gender orientation or identification, or the size of one’s family, all family systems are vital to us, and we strive to ensure that every member of identified families feels heard and helped.
Our therapists can provide education, counseling, and therapy and connect clients and families to resources. They are also adept at helping families find the most appropriate and least destructive ways of navigating issues such as divorce, the emancipation of children, and other relationship changes affecting clients and families. Most importantly, our goal is always to seek the best outcomes for our clients and their families.
