Bridging the Gap
Solutions Outpatient Services provides affordable, intensive, evening outpatient treatment programs for young adults and adults experiencing problems with alcohol, drugs, and other addictive disorders. We believe that chemical dependency affects every family member, each of whom needs support and healing from its effects.
Solutions offers a unique and affordable Family Program called Bridging the Gap, designed to educate family members and loved ones about chemical dependency and to allow them to process their own feelings and issues around their codependency.
When an individual is in a treatment program, which is not in close proximity to the family members, the family may miss or delay the opportunity to learn about the disease of chemical dependency and its effect on them. This program is not intended to replace in any way the opportunities provided by the family program of the treatment program their loved one is in.
Bridging the Gap is a psycho-educational therapeutic group. We strongly encourage that members also participate in a twelve-step program such as Al-Anon or Families Anonymous. In the group process, we explore topics such as enabling, setting boundaries, effective communication skills, relapse, denial, detachment, forgiveness, dual diagnosis, and defense mechanisms.
Solutions believes that family members should be included in the education and treatment process whenever possible. Bridging the Gap affords them this opportunity. This program is appropriate for families that have a loved one in residential treatment, as well as for families that have a loved one who has not yet sought treatment. We know that recovery is a life-long, day-to-day process that requires hard work, commitment, self-awareness, and honesty of all those involved in the chemically dependent person’s life.
Often, the substance abuser or chemically dependent person resists treatment and/or resists involving family members in their treatment process. This is sometimes the result of guilt and the desire to not burden the family on his or her behalf. At other times, the chemically dependent person knows that contact with a family member may reveal previously denied manifestations of his or her alcohol/drug-related behavior.
Research shows that when family members are educated and engaged in their own recovery and growth process, the chemically dependent person’s chances of successful recovery increase.
Bridging the Gap Family Program Goals
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To educate families on the dynamics of chemical dependency and codependency.
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To support family members in recognizing their roles in the family system.
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To assist family members in reclaiming or developing alternative coping and problem-solving methods to deal with life’s day-to-day problems.
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To help family members identify barriers to effective communication.
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To provide family members training in recognizing and expressing their feelings and an opportunity to practice these skills.
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To support family members in setting realistic goals and expectations for themselves and the family system.
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To assist family members in entering an appropriate 12 Step Program.
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To assist the family members in developing and initiating an individualized continuing care plan of action for maintaining their recovery.
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To provide individualized, post-treatment support services and follow-up to assist in maintaining the gains made while in the Family Program.
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