There is an implicit assumption within prevailing models of addiction treatment that family health improves spontaneously upon recovery initiation of the addicted family member. That assumption is evident in the paucity of family-oriented treatment models and the lack of post-treatment monitoring of family functioning and family member health.  Stephanie Brown performed a great service when she referred to the impact of addiction on the family system as the “trauma of
recovery”. Her work underscores two critical truths: 1) recovery can be destabilizing to families whose roles, rules and rituals have become organized around active addiction, and 2) family members and family units need sustained support through the recovery process.

— William L. White, January 2014 —

For more information, please contact Jackie Stein at 412-626-7801 or contact www.familyrecoveryresources.com