When a loved one has a drug or alcohol problem, there is typically a lot of help available to aid the individual in his or her recovery. Recovery is not a one-time event for the individual, it’s a process. It is also a process for the family. Many times the focus is helping the individual with the drug or alcohol problem. There is some help for the family, but not a comprehensive coordinated and integrated approach like the person with the drug or alcohol problem is receiving. Some of the help that is available is self-help support groups, family therapy, family education, and intervention services. The family many times needs professional help to navigate through recovery and help their loved one to get help as well. The professional that would be helping to coordinate and integrate a comprehensive family recovery is called a Family Recovery Professional (FRP) or Family Recovery Specialist (FRS).
The FRP’s main charge is the health and recovery of the family, regardless if the person with a alcohol problem gets help or not. The FRPs do interventions when needed. They would coordinate the help that the family needs, such as coordinating with a family therapist. They coordinate the meetings and the help that their loved one is receiving from the drug and alcohol treatment provider. FRPs help the family work with the treatment facility and facilitate resolution between the family and the treatment provider. They also help them to find a support group. They work on educating the family on recovery and addiction. FRPs also assist in navigating the family through the treatment world and helping them find appropriate referrals. They help develop plans of action for the family such as family interaction plans, crisis action plans, family relapse prevention plans, and a family development plan. FRPs help the family if the loved one with a drug or alcohol problem relapses, and then help to develop a plan for the next step for the family.
This is a comprehensive service created to supervise and support a continuing care plan. This extended service assists in identifying additional clinically appropriate recovery resources such as outpatient programs, physicians, and therapists in the families’ community. The service provides support for the families’ personal responsibility and accountability, utilizing the skills acquired during the continued recovery process. Every family’s plan is based on family history, progress, and either an identified continuing care plan or the need to develop one.
The FRP’s concern is always the health and well-being of the family. The FRP must develop a strong cohesive bond with the family and keep moving the family forward in their recovery. The goal of the FRP is to provide professional oversight and support to the family as they transition through their recovery process. With such a comprehensive plan, the family can restore their life and improve the quality of life for everyone in the family.
If you want more information on family recovery or if you have a loved one whom you are concerned about or you would like to find a Family Recovery Professional contact Willingness To Change at 1-877-644-5411 or www.willingnesstochange.org.
