The Family Program at Encore Outpatient Services in Arlington, Virginia, consists of a suite of services geared at addressing the needs and identified goals of family members and loved ones that have been impacted, directly or indirectly, by the substance use and associated issues of another person.

Family systems adapt to dysfunction to maintain balance and avoid catastrophic failure.  We change our behaviors based on what is happening to those around us in order to keep our lives on track.  These changes are a natural and normal reaction. As difficulties pile up, our ways of coping become regular patterns.  In this way, the substance use and co-occurring issues of one person change the way the entire family system behaves, and create roles that are very difficult to alter. Imagine if this type of dynamic has been occurring for many years.  Imagine if dysfunction was introduced to a family system multiple generations ago.

Family systems are extremely resilient, and with proper support and therapy, families do find happiness and balance. Additionally, families that enter their own therapeutic process can learn effective ways to manage stress and crisis, and dramatically improve the chances of their loved one achieving long-term recovery from substance use disorders.

Elements of our family program include:

• Family participation in treatment
• Family and couples therapy sessions
• Weekly family support groups
• Skills training/coaching
• Education
• Community support groups
• Referrals to family therapists