Addiction is a family disease. At The Blanchard Institute, we recognize that substance use disorders (SUDs) and mental health issues profoundly impact not only the individual but also their entire family.
“The family remains the primary source of attachment, nurturing, and socialization for humans in our current society. Therefore, the impact of substance use disorders on the family and individual family members merits attention,” wrote Lander, Howsare, and Byrne in a 2013 study. “Each family and each family member is uniquely affected by the individual using substances including but not limited to having unmet developmental needs, impaired attachment, economic hardship, legal problems, emotional distress, and sometimes violence being perpetrated against him or her.”
EMPOWERING FAMILIES WITH KNOWLEDGE
Our family-centered approach is designed to educate, support, and empower families to play a crucial role in the recovery journey. Family members need to understand the complexities of addiction and their role in the recovery process.
“Family members are trauma survivors,” explains founder and CEO Ward Blanchard. They are encouraged to participate in our family workshops, help develop treatment plans for their loved ones, and become an essential part in their recovery.
Lander, Howsare, and Byrne compared the family system to a mobile: “when one part in a hanging mobile moves, this affects all parts of the mobile but in different ways, and each part adjusts to maintain a balance in the system. One consequence of this accommodation can be that various family members may inadvertently sabotage treatment with their own behaviors as they respond to the change in the individual using substances.”
Families play a crucial role in the effectiveness and sustainability of the recovery process. Our family workshops are structured to transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills that can be applied directly to enhance the family’s role in this journey.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
Our Family Workshops offer an immersive experience where families come together to learn and grow. These sessions are led by experienced therapists and include:
- Educational lectures: Understand the science behind addiction and recovery, focusing on the latest research and effective treatment modalities.
- Interactive sessions: Participate in activities designed to improve communication, rebuild trust, and resolve conflicts within the family unit.
- Support networks: Connect with other families who are facing similar challenges, fostering a community of support and understanding.
- Resource sharing: Gain access to a wealth of resources and tools that can aid in the recovery process, including literature, online tools, and community programs.
The benefits of participating in our family workshops include an improved understanding of the dynamics of addiction, enhanced communication skills, essential for supporting recovery and rebuilding relationships, and stronger family bonds through shared experiences and mutual understanding. Participants also learn how to connect with a community that supports and reinforces the family’s role in the recovery process, offering continued support and encouragement.
“We don’t just treat individuals with addiction, we have family success plans,” says Blanchard.
The Blanchard Institute cultivates a safe, comfortable environment for clients and their families across North Carolina. Our recovery management and alumni programs support a life-long recovery. Your journey to recovery doesn’t end with day or outpatient treatment, once you’re with Blanchard, we’re always there for you.
Our admissions process is discrete, confidential, and non-invasive. Call us at (704) 368-0776—our experienced admissions specialists will guide you through the process and treat you with the dignity and compassion you deserve.