Written by:

Danny Smith

Last Updated:

January 6th, 2025

Family Recovery Programme | Benefits and How it is Used

Addiction doesn’t just impact the person struggling with drugs or alcohol – it ripples through families, affecting everyone close to them. Studies show that around 1.5 million adults are deeply impacted by a loved one’s substance abuse, with many children also affected. This situation can cause enormous strain, a lack of trust and sometimes the total breakdown of relationships. That is where our family recovery programme comes in. At Linwood House, we provide a safe, supportive space for families to heal together, repair broken bonds and work through the challenges of addiction and recovery as a loving, committed unit.

Family recovery programme

What is our family recovery programme?

Linwood House’s family recovery programme is all about helping you navigate the emotional rollercoaster that comes with having a loved one in recovery. It is based on the understanding that addiction is a “family illness” which impacts loved ones just as much as the person themselves.

First and foremost, our family recovery programme can provide critical emotional support in what can be an incredibly trying time. This is critical because taking care of yourself will give you the energy and motivation you need to be a pillar of support for your loved one. Whether you are feeling guilt, anger, frustration or even exhaustion from the strain of it all, addressing those emotions can be a huge relief.

Through counselling and various therapies, you will then learn how to support your loved one in a healthy way, rebuild lost trust and prepare for their return home. We also provide guidance on setting boundaries, creating a positive environment and what to do if the threat of relapse arises. All of this is designed to help you process what has happened, understand the true nature of addiction and find ways to heal and move forward as a family.

What are the benefits of our family recovery programme?

At Linwood House, our family addiction support helps build this foundation of support while also working to avoid the flare-ups of past issues that could lead to relapse. Our help for families of addicts is intended to help both during the rehab stage and long afterwards. Here are some of the major benefits of taking part in family therapy:

A better understanding of addiction
Addiction can be overwhelming and hard to make sense of as you watch your loved one change before your eyes. We will break down what addiction really is, how it affects your loved one and exactly what they are going through. This will help you feel more connected, empathetic and prepared to support them.
A chance to be seen and heard
Addiction can leave loved ones feeling silenced or sidelined, but a major part of Linwood House’s family recovery programme is special sessions called conjoints. Our addiction specialists lead these, and they give you the opportunity to share your thoughts, talk about your experiences and reopen lines of communication with your loved one. These sessions can help rebuild relationships that addiction may have strained and allow for healing and forgiveness.
Self-care strategies
Supporting someone in recovery can take a toll, and taking care of yourself is essential, too. We will show you how to manage your stress, create time for yourself and find moments of peace amidst the challenges. Staying strong and well-balanced is key to being the best support system you can be, so your own well-being needs to be a major priority.
Letting go of guilt
It’s common to feel guilt or wonder if you could have somehow prevented your loved one’s addiction. Family therapy helps you release those feelings of self-blame and move forward without the weight of unnecessary guilt.
Setting healthy boundaries
While helping your loved one is important, setting boundaries is equally crucial. We will teach you how to avoid enabling, how to say “no” when needed and how to protect your own well-being in the process.
Preparation for the future
Recovery doesn’t end with rehab – it is just the beginning of a lifelong journey. Our family addiction support will help you prepare for your loved one’s transition home, assist with their new healthy routines and look after yourself in the months and years to come.

What happens during a Linwood House family recovery session?

Having a loved one enter rehab can be disorienting and leave you feeling a little helpless. At Linwood House, our family therapy sessions occur once a week and bring you right into the heart of the recovery process. During these sessions, you will dive into open discussions, guided therapy, and practical advice that will give you the tools to support your loved one without losing sight of your own well-being.

You will get the chance to share your thoughts, ask tough questions, and learn from experts who have seen many families like yours and understand your journey. It is a time for healing, learning and growing together – because recovery works best when no one is left behind.

Practical ways to help your loved one during rehab

Supporting your loved one during rehab can make a world of difference in keeping them positive and motivated. Here are some practical ways to be there for them:

Stay in touch

It is important to send letters to your loved ones, call regularly, or visit whenever you can. These gestures remind them they are not alone and help ease any worries they might have about you so they can focus on their recovery.

Send care packages

Brighten their day with thoughtful items like a favourite book, a handwritten letter or something personal that brings them comfort and joy. These small tokens of support can go a long way.

Handle practical tasks

Help take the load off by managing practical things, like paying bills, looking after pets or house-sitting. This assistance can also help them focus fully on their recovery, knowing that everything else is taken care of.

Respect their space

Recovery can be intense, and while your support is crucial, sometimes your loved one may need personal time to reflect. Our family support programme will help you understand the best ways to be involved without overwhelming them.

Stay positive

Taking the time to celebrate each victory and reminding your loved one of their progress can show that you are invested in their recovery. This encouragement will help keep their spirits high and remind them that they’re on the right track.
These simple yet meaningful actions show your loved one that you’re not just rooting for them; you are walking this path together.

Ready to heal and grow together?

At Linwood House, our family support programme is here to help your family come together and move forward as one. With expert guidance, you will learn the tools and strategies to stay grounded while supporting your loved one through recovery. Reach out to Linwood House today, and let’s take these steps forward – together.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if my family member doesn’t want to attend family therapy?
It’s not unusual for loved ones to be hesitant about family therapy. In this case, focusing on your own healing and what you can control is important. While you can encourage your family to attend, it is important to remember that their decision is ultimately theirs. Stay committed to your own journey, and hopefully, they will come around on time.
Can family therapy be done remotely?
Absolutely! Linwood House offers both in-person and virtual family therapy sessions for those who can’t make it to our centre, so you can still be part of the process no matter where you are.
Can all members of my family be involved, no matter their age?
Yes, but when it comes to children, their participation depends on their age and the situation. It is best to check directly with Linwood House to see what is suitable for your family’s needs.

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