Why Involving Family Is Key to Success

Substance Abuse Is a Family Disease

A little-known fact that families affected by addiction often overlook is that addiction is a family disease—every member is impacted. When a family member is struggling with addiction, support from loved ones can be crucial to recovery. While full family involvement may not always be possible, even one supportive family member can make a meaningful difference.

There are many reasons why family members might struggle to offer support. Do any of these sound familiar?

Lack of Trust in the Commitment to Recovery

Families may have seen previous relapses and heard empty promises, leading to skepticism. While it may be tempting to “go it alone” as a show of strength, opening up and expressing genuine commitment to recovery—along with acknowledging past harm—can help rebuild trust.

Other Family Members May Be Struggling With Addiction

Some family members may be unable to support you because they are battling addictions themselves. Recovery can make them uncomfortable or feel exposed. In these cases, prioritize your own healing. You may be able to help them one day, but for now, your focus must be on your own recovery.

Lack of Understanding Among Family Members

Family members who have never dealt with addiction may respond with judgment or confusion. Encourage open communication and invite them to participate in family counseling—for their benefit as well as yours.

Benefits of Family Therapy

Studies show that addiction treatment involving family and close friends tends to have better outcomes. Without family involvement, the risk of returning to enabling or dysfunctional behaviors increases, raising the chances of relapse.

Addiction often fractures family relationships. These wounds can drive individuals to continue substance use, creating a harmful cycle. Healing those relationships can help break the cycle and foster long-term recovery.

In some cases, a family member may be “addicted to the addict”—supporting them in unhealthy ways, like providing money, housing, or even substances in an effort to “keep the peace.” While these actions are often well-intentioned, they can enable the addiction. These individuals also need counseling to break free from these patterns.

Family Structures and Their Impact

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), various family structures can influence recovery in different ways:

  • Client living alone or with a partner: Both may need counseling. When only one person is struggling, codependency often emerges.
  • Client living with spouse/partner and minor children: Children may be harmed by a parent’s substance use. When both parents abuse substances, the negative impact multiplies.
  • Client in a blended family: Addiction can create instability, making integration and connection more difficult in stepfamilies.
  • Older client with grown children: Family may need to provide more resources. In some cases, elder mistreatment or neglect must be addressed.
  • Adolescent living with their family of origin: Siblings often feel neglected while parents focus on the substance-using teen. If a parent also abuses substances, emotional and physical risks rise significantly.

The Need for Ongoing Support

Completing treatment at an inpatient or outpatient facility is just the beginning. Recovery is an ongoing process. It’s essential to continue with counseling, recovery programs, and substance-free environments.

Family celebrations with alcohol, for example, should be approached with caution. Talk to your family in advance and create plans that support sobriety.

If relapse occurs, it’s critical that the family responds with compassion, not criticism. Relapse should be seen as a challenge—not a failure—and met with encouragement and support.

About Cliffside Malibu

Cliffside Malibu understands that addiction affects the entire family. We work closely with family members to guide them through this journey. Support is offered through counseling and a full continuum of care that continues even after initial treatment.

Every patient receives a thorough assessment and a customized treatment plan tailored to their detox needs and long-term recovery. We use the Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change), which includes:

  • Precontemplation
  • Contemplation
  • Preparation
  • Action
  • Maintenance

By identifying each patient’s stage of change, we formulate stage-matched interventions to help them progress in recovery.

Cliffside Malibu provides a full range of services, including medically supervised detox, residential treatment, day treatment, and outpatient programs. Our programs are designed for individuals with a primary diagnosis of substance or alcohol use disorder who need a structured, supportive environment to maintain sobriety.

For more information, visit cliffsidemalibu.com.