a therapist takes notes on a notepad while discussing with the family sitting on the couch about family therapy goals

5 Family Therapy Goals

If your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, you likely have a good idea of how impactful the disease of addiction can be on the broader family unit. Rarely if ever, does only one person suffer when addiction is present. Instead, entire family or friend groups typically feel the effects of an individual’s addiction […]

10 Family Communication Questions

What do you hope to gain from treatment? If you have a loved one working to recover from addiction, you may face challenges in multiple areas. From broad communication to daily responsibilities, all facets of life can change when loved ones transition from actively using an addictive substance to a sober lifestyle. Know that you […]

adult male and an older adult male drink coffee outside discussing family communication questions

Family Guide to Understanding Addiction Relapse

  For family recovery to become a reality, each household member must have an accurate perspective on addiction relapse and their recovery plan. Any situation that stimulates old addictive pathways can lead to relapse in the person with an addictive condition, likewise, to family members. The most important thing is what the individual with a substance […]

How to Set Boundaries in Addiction Recovery

As the family program facilitator at Sanford Behavioral Health, I spend a lot of time helping loved ones establish boundaries. Establishing healthy boundaries is possible in family recovery. Establishing boundaries is essential to effectively work with a loved one with a substance use disorder (SUD). Healthy boundaries are at the heart of any positive relationship […]

two women talk to each other the couch and one of them women is establishing boundaries for herself

6 Family Activities for the New Year

  The year is coming to a close, and it’s time to celebrate the arrival of a new year with family and friends. Whether you like to ring in the New Year with festive traditions or prefer quieter family activities, there are plenty of fun ways to celebrate this special occasion safely and inclusively. Are […]

a group of young adults holding sparklers while outside participating in one of the many rewarding family activities for new years

Disney World Can Wait – All Inclusive Ticket to Family Wellness

  Book Now: All Inclusive Ticket to Family Education & Wellness! The Family Program at Sanford Behavioral Health has been seven years in the making. Programs designed for our clients’ loved ones were created (and improved year-by-year) to include loved ones during treatment and beyond. Family wellness and involvement are essential components of a healthy […]

How Does Addiction Affect Family?

Addiction can significantly impact the entire family. It is important to understand how addiction affects family dynamics. Addiction can affect the family by increasing conflict and stress within the household, altering familial roles and responsibilities, and disrupting important relationships or communication between family members. Many addiction treatment programs offer family support and therapy services to […]

a father, mother, and two of their children are outside and happy together after learning how addiction affects family

Why Not to Choose Alcohol over Family

One of the most challenging questions for those recovering from an alcohol use disorder is, “Why did you choose alcohol over me?” No matter how often you tell the family of a person in active addiction their loved one has a chronic, progressive brain disease, someone will stand up and say, “Yes, but they decided […]