When teens are battling a substance abuse disorder, different treatments and therapies are used to help them recover. Family therapy is one of the most widely used treatments. This involves other family members in the process to help teens get the most success out of their programs. As we take a closer look at the role of family therapy in addressing teen drug abuse, we’ll examine the benefits and the different approaches a program may take to help a teen on their road to recovery.
What Happens in Teen Drug Abuse Family Therapy?
Family therapy involves the person with the substance use disorder and a least one other person who is considered family. It does not necessarily have to be a blood relative since everyone’s family unit is different. During this type of therapy, family members can take an active role in counseling and intervention. Family therapy may involve one-on-one sessions to provide insight before the group meets.
During family therapy, family members can share their experiences, thoughts, and feelings. They can also look at whether their behavior has helped or harmed their loved one’s addiction. Family therapy inspires dialogue and allows family members to learn how to better support their teen on their path to recovery.
The Role of Family Therapy in Addressing Teen Drug Abuse: Types of Therapy Approaches
When looking at the role of family therapy in addressing teen drug abuse, it’s essential to be aware of the different strategies that may be used in sessions. Not all of these therapy methodologies are offered by Ember Recovery, but we thought it was important to discuss the types of therapy that are commonly utilized in teen drug abuse treatment.
These include [1]:
Family Behavior Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on how the behavior of the person with the substance use disorder affects the family as a whole. It also looks at how to change those behaviors with the entire family’s involvement.
Brief Strategic Family Therapy
Brief Strategic Family Therapy is geared toward families with adolescents who have substance use disorders. This type of therapy typically lasts 12-16 sessions. It is based on interventions that focus on family interactions.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
If your teen has a co-occurring disorder, this type of therapy may be able to help. It focuses on finding solutions for specific problems.
Functional Family Therapy
Functional family therapy focuses on improving family interactions. It is based on the belief that unhealthy family dynamics can lead to problematic behaviors. It focuses on problem-solving, conflict resolution, and parenting skills.
Multisystemic Therapy
This therapy model is used to help teens with substance use disorders who also have violent behavior or criminal records. It focuses on using goal-oriented and family-strengthening techniques.
Multidimensional Family Therapy
This type of therapy may be used for teens with severe substance use disorders. It is a comprehensive treatment program involving schools, the legal system, or other parties.
Depending on your teen’s substance use disorder, one or more approaches may be taken. A therapist may also use methods such as:
- Role-playing
- Journaling
- Communication techniques
- Holistic care
- Restructuring of dynamics
The goal is to find the best course of therapy to help your teen recover from their addiction.
Benefits of Involving Family in Teen Drug Abuse Treatment
Research shows that teens with family support during their treatment are more likely to continue on their path to recovery, stop misusing substances, and remain sober. [1] This is because of the many benefits of involving family in a teen’s drug abuse treatment. These include:
Regaining Trust
Many times, there is a strong link between dishonesty and substance abuse. Through therapy and over time, family members can learn to trust their loved ones again.
Sharing Feelings
It can be difficult for family members to share feelings at all times, especially when times get tough. Built-up anger and resentment may need to be addressed to begin the healing process. During therapy sessions, family members learn how to share their feelings to mend relationships and move forward in a positive direction.
Improving Communication
Besides sharing feelings, family members can improve their communication. They learn how to have healthy conversations and express themselves.
Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is hard for everyone, but it is necessary for the family to recover as a unit. Family members learn to set boundaries during family therapy to better help their teens and themselves.
Other benefits of family involvement in teen drug abuse treatment include:
- A better understanding of addiction and how it affects families
- More knowledge of what to expect in treatment and recovery
- Helping the family make positive changes in communication & behavior
- Regaining the family connection
Involving family in teen drug abuse treatment can not only have many benefits for the teen but also for the entire family. Family therapy can provide support for family members who are impacted by the addiction. During sessions, family members learn how to cope with their teen’s addiction and what they can also do to help themselves during this time.
Many times, family members may be unaware that certain behaviors contribute to their loved one’s addiction. They can learn how to change these behaviors to help during the recovery journey.
Teen Drug Abuse Family Therapy at Ember Recovery
At Ember Recovery, we are committed to helping teens battle their substance use disorder and believe in involving family members in recovery. We offer a Strengthening Families Program to bring families together and address substance use. During this program, parents learn strategies to help them become better listeners and teachers. Teens learn social and personal development techniques that can help them resist temptations.
This program is just one of the many treatment programs available at Ember Recovery. We will work with your teen to develop the best treatment plan. The goal is to help them recover and live a full, sober life. To learn more about our programs and how we can help your teen, contact us today.
Sources:
[1] https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/PEP20-02-02-012-508%20PDF.pdf
Andrea Dickerson is a Licensed Therapist and Certified Substance Use Counselor who has worked in behavioral health since 1997. Currently, Andrea is the Director of Behavioral Health, overseeing the Ember residential treatment programs and YSS outpatient counseling clinics throughout Central and North Central Iowa. She became a Motivational Interviewing (MI) trainer in 2006 and provides MI trainings throughout Iowa.
Andrea specializes in working with adolescents and their families and enjoys seeing the family relationships grow through therapy. Andrea is also a CARF International Surveyor, going around North America ensuring behavioral health organizations are meeting required standards.
In her free time, Andrea enjoys cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs, as well as being an active member of Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA), a global organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. She has been a member of the SI of Des Moines club since 2012 and has been actively involved at the regional level, currently serving as Co-Governor of the Peaks to Plains Region.
Through her involvement in SIA, Andrea has been actively involved in the Dream Programs, coordinating annual Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls projects, which give girls the tools they need to achieve their education and career goals, empowering them to break cycles of poverty, violence, and abuse.