Cocaine addiction not only affects the addict, but also his family. For families who are struggling with this issue, there is practical and effective family counseling to help manage the problems they face. Family counseling for cocaine addiction can bring positive change in both adults and minors in addressing not only the addiction problem, but other problems that they are facing too. Family involvement in substance abuse treatment is imperative to keep the family dynamic alive and balanced. If your family member is addicted to cocaine, you can receive family counseling for cocaine addiction.

How Family Therapy Can Help with Addiction

The purpose of family therapy for substance abuse is to address all the co-occurring problems that exist along with the abuse problem. Some of the other issues that may be exacerbating the abuse problem include: mental disorders, child abuse or neglect, family conflict, depression, unemployment, behavioral disorders etc. Family involvement in substance abuse treatment is shown to be effective when the patient and at least one co-habiting family member attend the counseling sessions. Of course the ideal is to have as many adult family members as possible attend the sessions.

What Happens During Family Addiction Counseling

During sessions of family counseling for cocaine addiction, the therapist will engage the family in learning and applying new behavioral strategies and skills to improve the home environment. Parents who abuse substances are taught how to develop new goals that relate to effective parenting behaviors. During each session of family therapy for substance abuse, the behavioral goals are reviewed, and if accomplished, the goals are rewarded by other family members. The patients all participate in planning the treatment by selecting specific interventions that are listed in an evidence-based treatment options list.

In family counseling for cocaine addiction, the patient will be taught how to develop new behavioral skills to prevent substance abuse through contingency management therapy. This therapy is based on developing new behavioral conditioning that is either rewarded for improved behavior, or punished for regressive behavior. This reward/punishment system is tied to the rules and regulations of the contingency treatment program, and is an effective tool in family therapy for substance abuse. Contingency management therapy is a process of positive reinforcement to teach the patient the benefits of good and healthy behavior.

The importance of family involvement in substance abuse treatment is evidenced by the outcome. The family plays a central role in treating health problems, including substance abuse. The treatment of the substance abuse, along with family therapy for substance abuse aligns two disciplines and brings two separate perspectives together. While addiction treatment addresses the addict's needs, family counseling for cocaine addiction seeks to address the needs of each family member. Balance of interdependent family relationships is sought through family therapy for substance abuse. The focus of the therapist is to intervene in complex dysfunctional relationship patterns and change them so that they produce positive change for all family members.

Family counseling for cocaine addiction is based on uniting all aspects of the family dynamic so that solutions are presented to all family problems. As one problem is solved it can affect and change another problem, so that change in one part of the system can bring productive change to the entire family system. Family involvement in substance abuse treatment is important because the family must work together as a team for treatment to be effective. This calls for flexibility, mutual understanding, and adjustments with the substance abuse counselor, family therapist and the family combined.

Family counseling for cocaine addiction must focus on the need for addiction recovery, and also family healing, so that positive changes are made for the entire family. If your loved one is addicted to cocaine he can receive recovery treatment at a drug rehab center, and attend family counseling for cocaine addiction with you and other family members.