Involving families in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment has long been recognized as a crucial element in recovery. However, with the substance use disorder industry transitioning toward value-based care, family involvement in addiction recovery is likely to become an even more integral component of successful treatment plans. The shift from fee-for-service to value-based care models aims to improve long-term outcomes, and families are poised to play a significant role in that process.
Family programming is known to reduce the risk of relapse and create a shared understanding among family members about addiction. It also provides a language for families to communicate effectively about the complexities of substance use. Despite the recognized benefits, most payers currently do not cover these services, which leaves a gap in comprehensive care. However, some treatment providers, such as Caron Pennsylvania, have made family programming available free of charge to improve outcomes and provide value beyond traditional treatment methods.
As Erin Goodhart, Executive Director of Core Programming and Family Services Lead at Caron Pennsylvania, shared with Addiction Treatment Business, “Addiction is a family disease – it doesn’t just impact the individual. Families need to focus on their own recovery, which is why Caron provides a variety of family services.”
Caron, a nonprofit based in Wernersville, Pennsylvania, offers a full continuum of care for individuals with addiction, ranging from detox to residential care and outpatient treatment. Their family services include education, counseling, and immersive workshops. In some cases, family members even live with the patient during treatment, providing them with a firsthand experience of the recovery process.
Other SUD providers, like Serenity Lane in Oregon, also emphasize family involvement in addiction recovery. Serenity Lane offers family services such as in-person visits, moderated discussions, and regular “SO calls” to ensure the patient’s family is kept up to date on their loved one’s progress. “You get to triangulate towards the reality of what’s going on at home,” said Chris Harrington, Clinical Director at Serenity Lane. He added that engaging the family in the recovery process ensures patients aren’t sent back to a home environment that hasn’t yet healed.
Notably, family involvement in addiction recovery does not always involve biological family members. Some patients may prefer to include friends, colleagues, or other individuals who are part of their support system. This flexibility ensures that those closest to the patient can be included, regardless of their formal relationship to the individual.
One of the most crucial steps in the recovery journey is introducing family involvement early on. At Mountainside Treatment Center, family members are contacted during the initial admissions process to explain available family services. This early engagement helps family members begin to understand the complexities of addiction and prepares them for the journey ahead. According to Bruce Dechert, Director of Family Wellness at Mountainside, “What we’re trying to do in this process is to engage families in their support so that they can begin to understand not only what addiction is and isn’t but also how they can support their loved one’s recovery.”
In terms of billing, many treatment centers, including Serenity Lane, offer family services free of charge. This approach is not only seen as a value-add for the patient but also a key element in ensuring long-term success. As Pete Kerns, CEO of Serenity Lane, explained, “If we could bill for it, I don’t actually know if we would. We have found that it’s extremely beneficial and critical to the success people experience after they leave treatment.”
While some providers do charge for family services, others, such as Caron, include family education and therapy as part of their residential, PHP, and IOP programs. For those services that aren’t included, some insurers are beginning to cover family counseling and education. As more research highlights the benefits of family involvement in addiction recovery, it’s likely that more insurers will follow suit.
Recent updates to the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria have pushed for a more holistic, patient-centered approach to addiction treatment. These updates encourage providers to consider the patient’s preferences and social determinants of health, which can lead to greater inclusion of family services in treatment plans. Caron is hopeful that this shift in the criteria will lead to more widespread insurance coverage for family programming.
The benefits of family involvement in addiction recovery are well-documented. Research has consistently shown that families who are involved in treatment programs experience reduced distress, lower relapse rates, and improved overall family functioning. By learning how to communicate effectively about addiction and recovery, families are better equipped to provide the support their loved ones need for lasting recovery.
Kerns from Serenity Lane pointed out that when families participate in treatment, they learn to speak the same language of recovery. “The potential for recovery is far greater because they’re both on the same page,” he said. “When they left home, that family household was unwittingly contributing to their substance use disorder. And now there’s a possibility that a home can help sustain their recovery for a lifetime.”
Despite the clear benefits, the substance use disorder industry still has much work to do in integrating family involvement into treatment protocols. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that family services will become a central part of the value-based care model. By embracing family involvement in addiction recovery, providers will not only enhance the outcomes for their patients but also expand their reach through positive word-of-mouth and referrals.
As the industry moves forward, providers will need to refine their approaches to incorporating families into the recovery process. This may involve offering more diverse family programming options, ensuring that educational materials align with the content provided to patients, and continuing to train staff on how to best support family members from various backgrounds. Ultimately, as value-based care becomes more widespread, family involvement in addiction recovery will likely be seen as an indispensable component of treatment.
