Substance abuse can have a profound impact on individuals and families, making it a crucial issue to address in counseling. With repercussions for communication in relationships and wider family dynamics, those dealing with substance abuse can find meaningful support through therapeutic processes.
Those intrigued by the connection between substance abuse, counseling, and family dynamics may benefit from pursuing a course of study that combines them, for example, the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s online Master of Science in Education (MSE) – Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Track program. This research-informed, online program can help graduates support those dealing with substance abuse disorders, and helps steer future practitioners towards proper accreditation, in line with state law.
Use of Substance Abuse Treatment
The Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT) reports that 20.4 million people aged 12 and above had an incident of a substance use disorder (SUD) in the previous year. The paper explains, “Substance use disorders are associated with a variety of couple- and family-related problems. Compared to those without SUDs, couples with SUDs exhibit worse relationship functioning, more frequent intimate partner violence, and a greater risk of marital dissolution. Having a parent with a SUD confers greater risk that an adolescent will engage in substance use…”
Much evidence gives credence to their assertion that people with SUDs can benefit significantly from counseling intervention, but also specifically “couple- and family-based interventions for adults and adolescents with SUDs.” JMFT surveyed a variety of treatment options, including systemic family therapy, behavioral family therapy, and behavioral couple therapy, suggesting that multiple approaches may offer relief for individuals, couples, and families dealing with a substance abuse issue.
Family Counseling Benefits
SUD experts, American Addiction Centers, offers a useful definition of family therapy as it pertains to this area of treatment: “According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), family therapy, also known as family counseling, includes interventions that reflect family-level assessments, involvement, and approaches.”
In addition to explaining types of therapies that may benefit couples and families with SUDs, the article provides compelling evidence for why non-individual counseling is essential and how it functions to support the overall recovery process. One of the clearest examples is that “people who have family support are more likely to remain in treatment, stop misusing substances, and stay sober.”
MantraCare shares a staggering statistic: “Substance abuse, including alcohol and drugs, is cited as a reason for approximately 34.6% of all divorces.” Their article goes on to explain how therapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and contingency management can help couples for whom substance abuse is a problem.
These treatments can improve communication, enhance emotional support, rebuild broken trust, improve conflict resolution skills and prevent relapses for those in recovery. By understanding the intersection of substance abuse and family counseling, aspiring counseling professionals can better prepare to support individuals and families in overcoming these challenges.
Why Pursue an Online Counseling Degree?
Substance abuse is often a deep and painful topic, but counseling is a clear way to offer individuals, couples and families relief with practical, long-lasting solutions. Learning to administer this kind of therapeutic support can be hugely gratifying for those who pursue it as a career.
University of Wisconsin-Superior’s accredited program, with its specific track in marriage and family therapy, is an ideal way to step into this rewarding work. Courses like Chemical Dependency and the Family, Crisis Intervention & Family Trauma, and Clinical Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment Planning teach students with relevant, up-to-date research and examples from the real world.
Learn more about UW-Superior’s online MSE in Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy Track program.
