Family Therapy

These are some of the most frequently asked questions that friends and family have when their loved one has started receiving treatment for addiction. They often struggle to find the right people to ask or where to turn for the support and information they seek. The Aviation Family Network was created as an initial resource for family members seeking this kind of support. When pilots start their treatment, they immediately become part of a broad network providing access to counselors, psychiatrists, community resources, housing, medical care, and peer support. Similarly needing assistance, the pilot’s family members may not be aware of how to obtain it; therefore, this support network could serve as their starting point towards finding help in coping with the impact of addiction on their lives.

Family therapy utilizes a collection of interventions that leverage family strengths to bring about change. It sees the family as a complex system, where any modification affecting one part of the system will also impact all other parts. Substance Use Disorder not only harms the individual with the disorder but often affects their family members as well. Family therapy can alleviate this harm and begin healing all members by addressing: SUD affects each family member.

To change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to alcohol use most rehabilitation programs prioritize group therapy, particularly for individuals dealing with co-occurring disorders. However, family therapy is not commonly included in addiction treatment programs, although it is more frequently integrated into the treatment plan for adolescents. Nevertheless, the techniques used in group therapy at rehabilitation centers closely mirror those employed in family therapy. Therefore, involving family members when feasible or seeking additional therapeutic support from a family therapy specialist may be valuable. Not all rehabilitation programs for pilots provide family therapy, but it can be a very important aspect of treatment, especially for people who have spouses and children, and for adolescents struggling with SUD.

• Family members can act as forces for positive change while supporting their loved one in recovery.
• Including family members increases the likelihood that the individual remains in therapy.
• Family members whose relationships have been harmed due to addiction can work together to heal those relationships.