The affects of “Users” can be difficult on the family members. Children of parents who abuse substances are more likely to experience physical, sexual or emotional abuse. These children are at higher risk for substance abuse problems later in life. These children can have emotional effects as well, having trouble developing a since of trust with others. The spouse, of someone who uses, may feel a since of guilt because he/she cannot stop the substance abuse. Additionally, they can also be victim to domestic violence or serious injury.
A frequently asked question is, “What are some of the experiences that the spouse or healthy family member feels?“
* The spouse may feel the need to take on the role of care taker to the one who is abusing substances.
* May feel the need to control what the substance abuser does.
* Faces constant emotional strains and pressures.
* Feels lonely and frustrated.
* May feel that the situation is hopeless.
* May try to force solutions on the alcoholic or substance abuse user
A frequently asked question is “What are some ways that the Graduate Counseling Intern can help?“
* Help spouse or family member realize that they are not responsible for their spouses substance abuse or recovery from it.
*I can provide valuable knowledge about substance abuse and help spouse or family member accept the idea that alcoholism or substance abuse is an illness.
* I can help restore broken relationships and help improve attitudes and state of mind.
* Help the spouse or family member separate themselves from the adverse effects of spouse’s substance abuse and help them learn to take care of themselves.
Basically, I am here to be a support in your life, as you support your loved one in their struggles or in their journey towards recovery. The main point to remember is you are not alone. There are many resources available to you. Two of my favorite websites to share with families of those who struggle with addictions.
http://www.coaf.org – The Center of Addiction and Family
http://www.al-anon.alateen.org/ – Al-Non Family Groups
Please let me know what I can do to help!
– Patty
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In addition to that, based on what I have read online, the distinctive feature of family therapy is its perspective and analytical framework rather than the number of people present at a therapy session. Specifically, family therapists are relational therapists: They are generally more interested in what goes on between individuals rather than within one or more individuals, although some family therapists—in particular those who identify as psychodynamic, object relations, intergenerational, EFT, or experiential family therapists—tend to be as interested in individuals as in the systems those individuals and their relationships constitute. Depending on the conflicts at issue and the progress of therapy to date, a therapist may focus on analyzing specific previous instances of conflict, as by reviewing a past incident and suggesting alternative ways family members might have responded to one another during it, or instead proceed directly to addressing the sources of conflict at a more abstract level, as by pointing out patterns of interaction that the family might have not noticed.
Many practitioners are skilled in family therapy and marital counseling in Massachusetts. At times these can be more appropriate than individual therapy.
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