Family Education - Psychological Disorder & Substance Abuse Treatment

New Seasons recognizes the importance of family participation during mental or drug and alcohol addiction recovery. We understand that chemical dependency and behavioral health issues affect everyone - not only the person who comes to us for treatment, but their family as well. In line with our overall psychological disorder and addiction treatment approach, our family program is individualized, recognizing that families are unique and have varying availabilities and needs.

Learning what to expect in early recovery is essential. Family members will learn about codependency, the disease model of addiction, relapse prevention, and effects of chemical dependency on the body.   We offer a variety of courses and groups tailored to differing family situations:

• Family education group
• Multi-family group
• Lecture series
• Children's group

In addition to family education, New Seasons encourages family members and loved ones to personally join the therapeutic process.  Treating an individual without regard for the family system’s dynamics and influence has the potential to yield only short-term success.  The brief family therapy program at New Seasons is based on a family systems approach and starts with a diagnosis of existing family systems and structures.  Frequently, dysfunctions within the family system, particularly those that pose a barrier to psychological disorder or addiction recovery, cannot be understood or shifted until family members are included in treatment.  Studies have shown that family therapy reduces the incidence of relapse, acts as a preventive measure for other family members, fosters an extended “healthy family” and creates structural family changes that prevent the return of both drug and alcohol abuse.

Finally, families and loved ones are introduced to Al-Anon and Al-Ateen via panel meetings, providing a link to a nationwide network of community support groups that provide assistance and encouragement both during and after treatment.

The bulk of New Season’s family groups and activities occur on Saturdays.  Therapy sessions may be scheduled throughout the week or in conjunction with visits in the evenings and on weekends.  For families and loved ones from afar, we also offer the convenience and “virtual” closeness of videoconferencing.  Should travel to the facility be an option, we would be happy to recommend one of several seaside resorts and craft an individualized agenda of therapeutic and social opportunities.