Family can play an integral role in addiction treatment, serving as emotional cheerleaders, accountability partners, and positive reinforcement all in one. However, that doesn’t mean that the family is immune from the harmful effects of substance abuse. The emotional and financial burdens of addiction can severely strain these important relationships, leaving the addicted person without a familial safety net to fall back on.

Family behavioral therapy (FBT) is a form of recovery therapy that focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within a family unit. It is based on the understanding that the behavior of one individual can greatly impact the entire family system. This approach also considers the family context, where family behavior therapy (FBT) addresses substance use behaviors within the family dynamic through a comprehensive treatment modality.

Family behavioral therapy can help address addiction, as well as help restore these complex interpersonal relationships. By including the family members who are directly impacted by addiction, participants can understand the impact of substance abuse on the family dynamic and ultimately, improve family communication.

What Is Family Behavioral Therapy for Family Members?

Family behavioral therapy (FBT), sometimes referred to as family behavior therapy, is one of several different types of family-based treatment. FBT is a promising evidence-based approach that combines behavioral modification with contingency management. It focuses on cognitive and behavioral skill development and utilizes role play, role reversal, and goal-setting to accomplish this.

Functional family therapy is another approach that aims to change dysfunctional family behavioral and interactional patterns that maintain substance abuse patterns into positive problem-solving responses. This approach is unique to other traditional types of addiction treatment in New Jersey in that instead of solely focusing on the addicted person, family behavioral therapy takes into consideration the thoughts and behaviors of the entire family.

Systemic family therapy, often used in systemic-motivational therapy, assesses the relationship between substance misuse and family life, understanding family beliefs about substance misuse, and developing family-based strategies for abstinence. This can help family members become better equipped to respond to an addicted loved one’s behavior and to reconcile with their feelings and needs.

Family behavioral therapy does this by focusing on family relationships and resolving the issues between people.This is to replace attempting to fix problematic thinking or behavior patterns within the individual themselves, as is the case with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

How Does Family Behavioral Therapy Work for Substance Abuse?

Family behavioral therapy relies on a goal-orientated approach using specific and practical objectives in a wide range of areas, such as home safety, home beautification, employment, and more, promoting a supportive family environment.

These goals help develop behavioral skills and provide opportunities to practice implementing them in day-to-day life. FBT is highly effective, not just for addressing drug use, but other co-occurring issues such as child mistreatment, conduct disorders, and general family conflict. Family behavioral therapy also addresses various mental health conditions experienced by family members.

Family behavioral therapy aims for positive outcomes by improving the health and well-being of the entire family, not just the individual with the substance use disorder. Four key elements shape family-based therapies such as FBT, and each offers a precise benefit for the family dynamic. Addiction treatment at Moving Mountains Recovery is enhanced by involving the family in the therapeutic process, which helps in reducing substance use and improving relationship functioning.

• Family engagement
• Relational reframing
• Family behavior change
• Family restructuring

These skills can help mitigate drug usage both directly and indirectly. In addition to teaching substance-avoidance strategies, family behavioral therapy techniques can improve the overall home environment and family dynamic, resolving household conflicts that might otherwise precede substance abuse or other problematic behavior. It is particularly well-suited for dealing with comorbid familial issues.

Benefits of Family Behavioral Therapy

There are several benefits of family behavioral therapy (FBT):

• Addresses underlying family dynamics: FBT focuses on improving communication and understanding within the family unit. It helps identify and address any dysfunctional patterns or dynamics that may contribute to the individual’s problematic behavior.
• Involves the entire family: Unlike traditional therapy that solely involves the individual, FBT involves the entire family in the treatment process. This can help strengthen relationships and create a supportive environment for change.
• Increases motivation for change: By involving the entire family, FBT can increase the individual’s motivation for change. Seeing their loved ones actively participating in their recovery can be a powerful motivator for them to make positive changes.
• Promotes positive interactions: Family behavioral therapy helps families learn how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and support each other in healthy ways. This can lead to more positive interactions between family members and improve overall family functioning.
• Creates a support network: Family members play a crucial role in an individual’s recovery from behavioral issues. FBT creates a support network for the individual by involving their loved ones in the treatment process.
• Tailored to individual needs: FBT is a highly flexible approach tailored to meet the needs of each family and its members. Therapists work closely with families to develop personalized treatment plans that address specific issues and goals.
• Long-term effectiveness: Research has shown that family behavioral therapy can have long-lasting effects on individuals with behavioral issues, even after treatment has ended. By addressing underlying family dynamics, FBT helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms and strengthens their resilience against future challenges.

Family behavioral therapy is an effective holistic therapy that addresses both individual and familial factors contributing to problematic behaviors, leading to lasting positive changes in all areas of life.

Family Behavioral Therapy in New Jersey

Family behavioral therapy can be adult-based or adolescent-based, involve as few as two family members or the entire family unit, and can even include family members who do not live under the same roof.

Find Healing at Moving Mountains Recovery

At Moving Mountains Recovery, we understand the struggles that come with addiction and mental health challenges. That’s why our team of trained professionals is dedicated to providing personalized and evidence-based treatment to help you find healing and recovery.

Our programs are tailored to meet your unique needs, whether you’re struggling with substance abuse, trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. We offer a variety of services, including individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and holistic treatment options.

Don’t let addiction or mental illness control your life any longer. Contact us today for more information on our family behavioral therapy program and how we can help you on your journey toward wellness.