Engage Family to Improve Outpatient Retention in Treatment

As our understanding of substance use disorder improves, treatment plans evolve to incorporate new techniques to help patients get sober and stay sober. While treating the patient should be the primary focus, involving their social circle in their rehabilitation can contribute to long-term sobriety and recovery, with a proximate impact on outpatient program retention in between.

Because the causes and triggers associated with substance use disorders are so intertwined with one’s social circle and family, treating patients holistically requires a “systems theory” approach.

What is Systems Theory?

Systems theory explores how groups—families especially—are not a collection of individuals but more so a single unit. Each person within that unit has to grapple with their individual yet related trauma on a daily basis. This leads to an interlinked system of internal biases and experiences that shape family dynamics, for better or for worse.

In regards to treating patients with substance use disorder, the underlying dynamics within a family unit can significantly impact recovery. Whether through nature or nurture, addiction tends to run in families, so addressing these issues as a unit through family involvement in the treatment process can be incredibly beneficial in the long term. Taking steps to reorient the family system toward engaged and informed support for the patient can increase the likelihood of long-term sobriety.

A study done at the Auckland University of Technology found a substantial link between dysfunctional family dynamics and drug or alcohol dependency, stating that trauma, abuse, and other forms of familial disruption were triggers for addictive behaviors. In turn, those broken family ties further alienated patients, pushing them deeper into their addiction.

With this knowledge in mind, there are many resources now available in our field today to help patients and their families to foster growth and create healthier bonds.

Systems Theory and Treating Patients With Addiction

Most people do not live in complete isolation—they form part of different social environments.

Those social environments have a massive impact on a patient’s recovery. Sobriety is not a one-time event—it is a life-long commitment. People recovering from substance use disorders need support and connection to people who help enable sobriety. Surrounding one’s self with people who enable or trigger addictive behaviors will greatly increase the risk of relapse.

Working group therapy with the patient's family and friends into their treatment plan provides a safe environment for the patient as they re-enter society. These therapy sessions can help both the patient and family members dismantle toxic family dynamics, enabling behaviors, patterns of addiction and codependency, abuse-related trauma, and other issues which contribute to SUDs.

An integrated approached created by offering family wellness programs, child and youth-focused programs, as well as family recovery support meetings, fosters connections with family supports, which can help ensure patients have access to the positive social environment needed for long-term recovery.

Treatments for substance use disorders are not one-size-fits-all— each patient requires individualized care that speaks to their needs and circumstances. Utilizing systems theory to increase patient retention is one method that fits into a holistic plan to help treat their SUD.

As the saying goes, Rome was not built in a day. Recovery from SUD can be a long and challenging road, but one worth taking.

Jen Aguglia is vice president of outpatient services at Ashley Addiction Treatment.