Addiction is a family disease. It not only affects the one suffering from addiction, it impacts the entire family system. When one member of the family struggles with a substance use disorder, everyone suffers. Family members blame themselves; they feel shame, guilt and remorse as they attempt to cover up the family condition. The actions of the addict impact all of his or her loved ones and close friends, and it is often necessary for these individuals to get help as well. A family program for addiction is very important for families struggling with the drug problem or alcoholism of a loved one.
Here at New Beginnings Lake Charles we believe that a family who receives help can become the most important source of encouragement and support to the recovering addict. Addiction therapy and family counseling sessions can help everyone involved learn about the disease of addiction and the different ways that family members are affected. It also helps family members to realize they are dealing with a condition that they did not cause nor can they cure.
New Beginnings Lake Charles Family Program provides family members the opportunity, through both education and support, to begin their own journey of healing and recovery from the challenges brought on by addiction.
Our Family Program addresses two aspects of addiction. The first focuses on the personal issues family members have encountered because of the addiction. They may have experienced abuse-physical and emotional-and have feelings of guilt, shame, and anger. Family therapy gives them the opportunity to work through these issues and begin their own healing process.
The second facet of addiction addressed by family therapy focuses on dysfunctional relationships within the family structure that can enable the addiction to continue. Families may provide a safety net or financial support that allows the addict to continue using. They may ignore the problem or keep it a secret to avoid public embarrassment and the stigma of addiction. These types of behaviors are known as codependency. Overcoming codependency can contribute to the success of the addict in recovery.
The primary goal for our Family Program is to give the families the knowledge and tools to rebuild pieces of their relationships including trust, boundaries and communication so that they can create a new and happy life together using healthy boundaries and safe communication.