There is a reason that addiction and issues of mental illness are referred to as family diseases. They do not just affect the individual that is struggling; rather, they affect everyone in that person’s orbit. Involving the entire family in the diagnosis and treatment process for a family member offers an invaluable opportunity for the family to heal together in profound ways. Fortunately, The Phoenix Recovery Center can help both the family and individual navigate the diagnosis and treatment process effectively.
Diagnosis: The Importance of Family Involvement From the Very Beginning
It is important to understand that the family has most likely been involved in a loved one’s mental health journey even before a diagnosis is made. They may have been affected by their loved one’s mental health or addiction in negative ways, or they may have simply noticed some warning signs and were the ones to reach out for help.
So, if the family is involved long before the mental health diagnosis, then why should they be excluded when a diagnosis is properly made? The answer is, of course, that they should not. Also, being available to support a loved one when a potentially difficult diagnosis is made can be vital for their recovery journey moving forward.
If the family is involved from the moment of diagnosis, then they can be involved in the recovery planning. A recovery plan should always be created on an individualized basis. For example, factors that must be taken into account during the development of an effective recovery plan include an individual’s familial relationships and family history. With the family involved, a clearer portrait can be drawn, and all needs of family members can be incorporated into recovery planning.
Treatment: The Role of Family Involvement Through the Process
After a diagnosis is made, one might say the “real work” begins. There is no way around the fact that addiction and mental health recovery can be one of the most challenging processes a family will ever go through. However, it is also true that it is often one of the most important and rewarding experiences that a family shares together.
During the treatment process, a family can support their loved one as they go through different transitions in their recovery journey. A loved one may need more hands-off support as they begin a residential treatment program where they need to focus solely on themselves. However, they may need more visible support as they transition to an intensive outpatient program (IOP) following the completion of a residential program.
While this individual treatment is going on at the individual level, the family can also benefit from professional help and support. This may take place in the form of family therapy or support groups with individuals that have shared experiences. When these two separate journeys of the family and the individual happen positively and progressively, then they will be ready to merge when it’s time to bring a long-term recovery plan into focus.
Long-Term Recovery: The Role of Family Involvement Moving Forward
Perhaps the family’s most important role comes into play when an individual leaves a recovery center and needs to transition back into their everyday lives. This is where the family can support their loved one’s needs as they integrate back into society. They may need help to acclimate back into the workplace, help to find a relatable support group, or just need a little extra love and attention to feel grounded outside of treatment.
When a loved one leaves a recovery center, it is often the most important time to fully engage in the process of family therapy. This will help keep healthy lines of communication open, as well as ensure that all of the family’s emotional needs are met, not just the needs of the member in treatment. If the family feels as though they are not valued, then the chance for resentment increases. Furthermore, resentment always has the potential to break apart a healthy recovery.
How the Phoenix Recovery Center Helps Families Navigate the Diagnosis and Treatment Process
Now, the good news is that families don’t have to do all of the work on their own. The Phoenix Recovery Center focuses on the entire family, and they can help involve everyone from the diagnosis and treatment process through to a long-term recovery plan.
When issues of mental health start to affect a family, there becomes a very real chance for that family to drift apart. However, when the family approaches mental health issues together, there is a real chance for that family to grow stronger together. Addiction and mental health disorders truly are a family disease, and because of this, there needs to be a family solution.
If you feel like your family needs help navigating the path toward long-term recovery, please know that you are not alone. We are here to help. For more information on how to keep the entire family involved in the recovery process, reach out to The Phoenix Recovery Center today at (801) 438-3185.
