Understanding Addiction as a Family Disease
We recognize that substance use disorders and mental health issues profoundly impact not only the individual but also their entire family. Our Family-Centered Approach is designed to educate, support, and empower families to play a crucial role in the recovery journey.
Substance use disorders are complex brain diseases that affect the body and mind. Contrary to popular belief, individuals struggling with addiction do not have to “hit rock bottom” or want to get better on their own. The disease impairs the frontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for rational decision-making, emotional regulation, and personality. This impairment explains why your loved one may seem like a different person. It’s not about lack of willpower; it’s about a brain that’s not functioning properly.
If they saw their loved one’s brain that’s handicapped and not functioning, they would never allow that brain to have any influence over their health care. So why would you allow it to have influence over theirs?
WARD BLANCHARD, MA, MBA, CCS, LCAS
FOUNDER & CEO
Empowering Families with Knowledge
Our program emphasizes the importance of family involvement from the outset. We provide families with the knowledge and tools they need to understand the disease and their crucial role in the recovery process. With accurate information, families can set boundaries, encourage treatment compliance, and create a supportive environment for their loved one.
How it Works
Our comprehensive Family Program is designed to integrate families into the recovery process from the very beginning. We offer a structured blend of therapy sessions, educational workshops, and support groups that involve family members throughout the treatment journey:
Multi-Family Groups
These sessions allow families to engage with others experiencing similar challenges, fostering a supportive community environment.
Interactive Classes
We provide classes that focus on understanding the science of addiction, recognizing enabling behaviors, and developing healthy communication skills.
Therapeutic Visitation
Scheduled family visitations are conducted in a therapeutic context, designed to rebuild trust and improve relationships.
Educational Focus
Education is a cornerstone of our family-centered approach. We equip families with the necessary knowledge to understand addiction’s complexities and their role in the recovery process:
Disease Model of Addiction
Families learn about the biological, psychological, and social facets of addiction, helping to demystify the condition and reduce stigma.
Recognizing Enabling Behaviors: We help families identify behaviors that may inadvertently perpetuate the addiction cycle and offer strategies to modify these behaviors constructively.
Effective Communication Techniques
Families are taught how to communicate effectively with their loved ones, which is critical for supporting recovery and addressing conflicts healthily.
After 10 years of trying to manage our daughter’s disease, we finally have hope and direction. We were about to make the same mistakes all over again until we met with Ward Blanchard for a completely new approach to the disease and strategy for the future. We were more than lucky that the family weekend was at the same time that our crisis occurred. I would strongly recommend this as a weekend you need to attend. Ward is a warrior and is passionate about the health of the entire family.
Steve
Integrating Family in Treatment Planning
Family involvement doesn’t end with education and support; it extends into the very planning of treatment. Families are encouraged to participate in developing individualized treatment plans, offering insights that might enhance the care provided. This collaboration ensures that the treatment strategies are comprehensive and consider all aspects of the patient’s life, including family relationships.