Healing Beyond Addiction: New Research Shows Family Relationships Key to Lasting Recovery
Addiction doesn’t just affect individuals—it ripples through entire families, leaving behind fractured relationships and emotional wounds that can last for generations. But new research is bringing hope. According to findings from the Last Resort Recovery Center, family involvement in addiction recovery can dramatically improve outcomes, increasing success rates by up to 50%.
In this powerful report, Briana Sefcik, MS, LCSW, CSAT, Director of Trauma and Family Wellness at The Last Resort Recovery Center, shares expert insights into why family healing is essential for lasting recovery.
With nearly two decades of experience in mental health and substance use disorder treatment, Briana specializes in helping individuals and families navigate the complex emotional terrain of trauma and addiction. Her compassionate, holistic approach integrates evidence-based practices and 12-Step recovery principles to foster sustainable emotional wellness. As a dedicated leader and therapist, she is committed to transforming how families support their loved ones through recovery—creating environments where healing and lasting change are truly possible.
Family healing after addiction is shown to increase recovery success rates by up to 50%, yet 98% of Texas counties face shortages of mental health professionals.
02 May 2025, Austin, Texas – New research from Last Resort Recovery Center reveals that family involvement in addiction treatment can boost recovery success rates by up to 50%. This finding underscores the vital role of family healing in sustainable recovery. However, access to care remains a pressing concern: 98% of Texas counties lack sufficient mental health professionals. Despite clear evidence supporting family-based interventions, nearly 80% of Texans in need still go without care, highlighting a stark mismatch between what works and what’s available.
Studies show addiction erodes family trust and communication. This erosion creates feelings of betrayal and psychological harm that persist long after substance use stops.
Research identifies several effective strategies for family healing, including therapeutic support and setting clear boundaries. Programs like Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) teach families concrete skills to support recovery without enabling harmful behaviors. These strategies are proven to rebuild trust, foster healthy interaction, and reduce the stigma associated with addiction.
Supportive family relationships provide emotional stability and accountability. They improve communication while reducing the stigma often associated with addiction. These positive connections build psychological resilience needed for sustained recovery.
Access to treatment remains limited in Texas. Approximately 77% of individuals needing alcohol treatment did not receive specialized care. Only 4% of Texans with opioid use disorder accessed appropriate treatment services.
“The psychological impact of addiction spreads throughout the entire family system,” says Briana Sefcik, Director of Trauma and Family Wellness, MS, LCSW, CSAT at Last Resort Recovery. “Trust breaks down when behaviors become unpredictable, and family members develop protective psychological responses. Rebuilding requires consistent honesty and acknowledging the real pain that has been caused. Families must establish new patterns of interaction that support recovery rather than enabling old behaviors. Families who understand addiction as both a brain disorder and a relationship issue can create powerful healing environments. The psychological safety created by informed family support allows people in recovery to develop healthier coping mechanisms and self-regulation skills essential for long-term sobriety.”
Families seeking help can start by connecting with local Al-Anon groups, addiction-informed therapists, or structured programs like CRAFT. Support networks such as Families Anonymous and Adult Children of Alcoholics offer targeted assistance based on specific family roles. These resources provide practical tools, peer support, and guidance through the recovery journey. Importantly, family members must also care for their own mental and emotional health. Healing works best when everyone is supported.
This report was compiled using data from the National Institute of Mental Health, National Library of Medicine, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and multiple peer-reviewed studies on family recovery dynamics.