In partnership with Bizitron
Addiction is a complex disease that impacts not only the individual struggling but their loved ones as well. When a family member is battling addiction, relationships become strained, and those around them are left with feelings of fear, helplessness and isolation.
While residential behavioral health( rehab ) facilities can provide safety and structure, removing those walls and bringing treatment into the home and community can also be hugely beneficial for the family as a whole,” said Dr. Louise Stanger of All About Interventions. “Treatment Without Walls (TWW) focuses on healing the family unit and empowering loved ones to play an active role in recovery.”
The Challenges Addiction Creates for Families
Addiction puts a tremendous amount of stress on families and relationships within the family system. Spouses and parents often feel angry and hurt by the pain and chaos the addiction has caused, yet simultaneously feel guilty that they cannot make the addiction stop. Siblings and children can feel neglected as the addicted family member becomes less present, leading them to act out and misbehave to get attention. The deceit, risky behaviors and unpredictability that frequently accompany addiction destroy trust between family members. Loved ones devote untold time, money and mental energy to “fixes” that prove ultimately ineffective, creating feelings of resentment and emotional exhaustion.
Dr. Louise stated. “When an addicted family member enters a residential rehab program, those left behind may feel an initial sense of relief but are still tasked with picking up the pieces while feeling cut off from the treatment process occurring behind closed doors. Even if the addicted individual returns home from treatment with improved coping skills and a commitment to sobriety, the family system remains broken. Without involving the family directly in treatment, the risk of relapse skyrockets.”
The Benefits of Addiction Treatment Without Walls
Removing the physical and metaphorical walls of rehab and involving the family in addiction treatment at home provides many important benefits according to Dr. Louise:
Healing the family unit as a whole becomes possible when a care team is in place. Wellness coaches, family specialists, therapists and other wellness providers can work directly with the family within the home environment. Through family counseling and coaching, the secrecy and isolation that feeds addiction can be broken down. Strained relationships can begin to be repaired and trust re-established. Healthy communication patterns and dynamics can be implemented among family members.
Without the rules and schedules of a rehab facility, treatment can be tailored to match the addicted individual’s needs and pace. Therapy and interventions that align with the person’s unique interests and motivations enhance engagement and progress. Real-world practice becomes built into treatment when coping skills can be directly applied and practiced while immersed in the home environment and familiar triggers. Skills have a greater chance of sticking when the individual is not abruptly removed from rehab into a high-risk home situation. Building scaffolding for all
Ongoing support in a natural environment from the same team of providers allows for consistency and the building up of treatment gains over time rather than abruptly ending care after 30 or 90 days. Meeting family members where they are both physically and emotionally removes obstacles to engaging fully. The flexibility and accessibility of in-home treatment encourage family participation.
Key Components of Family-Focused Addiction Treatment
Comprehensive addiction treatment without walls that involves and supports the family unit should contain several key components:
A thorough assessment of the individual’s addiction history, mental health issues, and medical needs provides insights into the functioning and causative factors while gaining the perspective of family members and offers a clearer picture of relationship dynamics. Medically supervised detox conducted through home visits, telehealth support, and coordination with doctors helps manage withdrawal symptoms, allowing for greater stability.
“Individual psychotherapy helps the addicted person gain insight into triggers, build coping strategies, and process emotions related to substance use. Approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy support changing addictive behaviors and thoughts,” Dr. Louise said. “Family counseling facilitates much-needed conversations, rebuilds broken trust, and sets boundaries. Support groups reduce feelings of isolation and provide peer understanding.”
Case management coordinates care needs like medical care, job training, housing, parenting assistance, and medication management. Community connection through volunteer work, spiritual leaders, and peer recovery specialists helps engage the individual in meaningful and socially rewarding activities that support sobriety. Recovery coaching offers individualized support, problem-solving, and accountability.
A Collaborative Process
Each family facing addiction has a unique story and specific needs. Treatment without walls allows providers to meet families where they are and collaborate to promote healing and growth within the family system. Instead of having to laboriously rebuild a life in early recovery, individuals are empowered to move forward with support from their most important relationships. Removing the physical barriers to treatment facilitates deeper emotional connections and makes sustained recovery possible.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.