Family Support Programme

When addiction takes hold, it shakes the foundation of the entire family. In the UK, there are more than one and a half million people living with the stress, confusion and heartbreak of their loved one’s substance use. At Liberty House, we understand how hard it can be to watch someone you care about go through recovery. That is why we have created a family support programme to help heal your family and help you understand what rehab is all about. With the support of our expert team, you won’t just be an outsider looking in – you will be a crucial part of your loved one’s recovery.

support family photo

What do we mean by a family support programme?

Liberty House’s family support programme is among the most important rehab therapies we offer. It provides families with invaluable education and assistance as their loved one moves through the different stages of recovery.

We know that addiction can spread through a family, causing pain, confusion and sometimes understandable anger. Many of our clients have experienced the break up of relationships, estrangement from parents and children and the resulting loneliness that these fractures cause.

We encourage families to get involved in counselling and therapy alongside their loved ones. It is not just helpful for you – it can also make a huge difference to their recovery. People who feel supported by their family are much more likely to stay on track, and having you by their side could be the motivation they need.

Family support programme’s role in addiction treatment

The ultimate goal of a family support programme is to heal the divides and bring you back together as a family. This is not always easy, especially when emotions run high, and you have been let down before.

Our family support programme will teach you about the science behind addiction, why it affects families the way it does and how to support your loved one without sacrificing your own well-being. We will help you make sense of what has happened to your family and figure out how to rebuild trust with your loved one. This will help you unite again so you are all working towards the same goal.

Our family support programme will also prepare you for what comes after rehab treatment. We will talk about what’s okay and what’s not in terms of boundaries and how to make your home feel like a safe and steady place again. This will allow your loved one to return to an environment that encourages recovery rather than triggers a relapse.

The benefits of a family support programme for substance abuse recovery

There are many fantastic benefits of taking part in our family support programme for addiction for everyone in your family:

Education about addiction

When someone you love is struggling with addiction, it can feel like you don’t recognise them anymore. In family therapy, you will learn why they act the way they do so you can be more understanding and ready to help.

A space to talk

Addiction can make families feel ignored or pushed aside, but Liberty House wants to give everyone a voice. We offer exclusive sessions called conjoints, where you can share how your loved one’s addiction has affected you. These sessions, led by our addiction specialists, are a chance to talk openly with your loved one, rebuild trust and start healing the relationships that may have been damaged.

Better self-care

Helping someone in recovery is tough, and it’s easy to forget about your own needs. We’ll help you find ways to manage stress, take time out for yourself and recharge when things get hard. When you feel strong and steady, you will be in a much better place to support your loved one through their journey.

Guilt resolution

It’s natural to wonder if you could have done something to stop your loved one’s addiction, but holding onto that guilt only weighs you down. Family therapy helps you let go of self-blame and understand that addiction is not your fault. Lifting that heavy burden off your shoulders will make a world of difference for both you and your loved one.

Setting boundaries that work

Loving someone in recovery doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. In fact, setting boundaries is one of the most loving things you can do. We’ll show you how and when to say no, how to avoid enabling behaviours and how to make sure you’re protecting yourself and other people in your family.

Getting ready for what’s next

Rehab is just the start of recovery, but there are many long-term benefits of family support programmes for addiction. We will help you prepare for your loved one’s return home by figuring out routines that work for everyone, staying supportive without losing sight of your own needs and knowing what to do if setbacks arise. This will make the transition easier for everyone involved and reduce the risk of relapse during this often tricky time.

family support caring hands

How to help a loved one suffering with an addiction

As well as taking part in a family support programme for drug addiction or alcoholism, there are many other effective ways to help your loved one during rehab. Here are some simple, meaningful ways to show your support:

Keep in touch
A phone call, a letter or a visit can mean the world and show your loved one that you’re thinking of them. Hearing from you can also ease their worries about what is happening on the outside so they can focus on their therapies.
Send a little love
Care packages with personal touches – a heartfelt note, a well-thumbed book or a comforting keepsake can all remind them of home. Small gestures like these can greatly impact their mood and motivation and remind them why they want to change.
Take care of things at home
Help lighten their load by handling practical tasks they might worry about like helping with childcare, organising their bills or feeding their pets. Knowing that you’ve got things covered can stop outside worries from affecting their recovery.
Allow them the space they need
Recovery can be overwhelming, and your loved one might need some quiet time to process everything they are going through. It’s important to give them room to reflect and recharge while still being there when they need you. Our family support programme can help you find that balance so your involvement feels supportive, not overbearing.
Keep things positive
Every small step forward is a reason to celebrate so whether it’s a phone call to say you’re proud or a simple “You’re doing great,” these reminders can make a huge difference. Your encouragement shows them that their progress matters and that you’re right there cheering them on.

Ready to bring your family together?

Then Liberty House is here to help you reconnect and find strength in each other. Our family support programme gives you practical tools to stay steady while standing by your loved one on their recovery journey. Let’s take this next step as a team – reach out to Liberty House today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do family support programmes address the needs of siblings or extended family members affected by addiction?
Addiction doesn’t just impact parents or partners; it can also weigh heavily on siblings, grandparents and anyone close to the person in recovery. Family support programmes make sure everyone has a voice, offering sessions where siblings or extended family can share their feelings, ask questions and get the support they need. It’s about helping the whole family understand what’s happening and showing everyone how they can play a positive role in recovery.
What role do family dynamics play in the effectiveness of a family support programme?
How a family interacts can make a big difference in recovery. Our family support programme looks at things like how you communicate, handle conflict or support each other. By spotting patterns that aren’t helping and finding better ways to communicate and connect, our programme makes it easier to create a home environment where recovery can thrive, and relationships can start to heal.
How do family support programmes handle resistance or denial from family members?
It is not unusual for some family members to feel unsure or unwilling to take part. Our family support programmes understand this and use patience and education to help break down those walls. By explaining addiction in a way that makes sense and showing how their involvement can really make a difference, our programme gently encourages everyone to be part of the healing process.

(Click here to see works cited)

  • UK Drug Policy Commission. “Supporting the Supporters: families of drug misusers.” UK Drug Policy Commission, https://www.ukdpc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Policy%20report%20-%20Supporting%20the%20supporters_%20families%20of%20drug%20misusers%20(policy%20briefing).pdf. Accessed 16 December 2024.
  • UK Rehab. “How to Help Loved Ones Struggling With Addiction.” UK Rehab, https://www.uk-rehab.com/help-guides/how-to-help-loved-ones-struggling-with-addiction/. Accessed 16 December 2024.