It is accepted knowledge that addiction is a family disease. This means that people have become ill with this disease while in a family unit and every person in the family is somehow affected by the disease. Once the addicted person reaches out for help, it is important for those close to the individual to participate in the treatment process. 

Family Therapy programs recognize the concept of "family system" in offering help to those served in residential substance abuse treatment. The "family system" model proposes that the family consist of individuals whose behavior impacts others in the system and the system as a whole. Better healing occurs if as many people as possible from the system work together to form a healthier group. It is quite common to find relationships in recovery in which communication is difficult, or non-existent, improve once the substance is gone. All too often, relationship stress leads to relapse for the recovering person.

The family program attempts to change the habit of blame into actions of healing.  Families are assisted in moving toward healthier family relationships by first understanding the impact of learning experiences in the family of origin. Assessed is the functional "climate" of the current family unit that promotes skill building that enhances communication, builds problem-solving behaviors, and strengthens trust and commitment. Families in treatment work with other families to support, encourage, and share experiences in an air of acceptance.