Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Family Support Groups For Addiction

Learn About The Disease

Support groups help parents, family members of those struggling with addiction

Addiction is a misunderstood disease. Some people are capable of controlling how much alcohol or drugs they consume. But others are unable to stop. They possess a variety of risk factors that lead to the development of a serious brain disease.

People with addiction may have made a choice to try alcohol or other drugs, but they dont choose to continue to use. The substances cause physical changes to their brain that make quitting nearly impossible.

Learning more about drug abuse, addiction and the treatment options available to your loved one will prepare you to tackle the problem as effectively as possible.

Treatment And Resources For Substance Use Disorder

Pennsylvania Get Help Now Hotlineis a confidential hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to all Pennsylvanians in both English and Spanish. It is staffed by trained professionals who can connect you directly to local treatment and resources. If you prefer, there is achat option on the DDAP website as well as a texting option at717-216-0905.

Northampton County

If you, or someone you care about is having a problem with drugs or alcohol and lives in Northampton County, PA there are several basic ways to get help:

No cost drug and alcohol assessments and Case Management services are available to any resident in need. Please ccall 610-829-HELP and you will be connected with an assessor.

Northampton County Information, Referral and Emergency Services Department is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for mental health crises.

For Mental Health Crisis Call: 610-252-9060

Lehigh County

If you, or someone you care about is having a problem with drugs or alcohol and lives in Lehigh County, PA there are several basic ways to get help: No cost drug and alcohol assessments and Case Management services are available to any resident in need.

Pleasecontact Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Division at 782-3200 to schedule an assessment, or contact any of the providers listed for an assessment:

Pennsylvania Mental Health Support & Referral Line

1-855-284-2494

National SAMHSA Helpline

Remove Unused Drugs from your Home

Get NARCAN

Caring For Yourself Through A Loved Ones Addiction

Having your life turned upside down because of a friends or family members addiction can be frustrating and exhausting. Whether they realize it or not, when a person has become addicted to a substance, it eventually begins to affect every single person around them in one way or another. It is important to remember to make time to care for yourself when dealing with a situation like this. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help care for yourself:

  • Make sure you are emotionally and mentally supported. This may mean that you need to see a therapist for a period of time to focus on your own mental health. Therapists can be amazing sources of support and strength during these difficult times.
  • Always make sure to keep your health in mind. Losing sleep over another persons addiction, being stressed out, worrying, and excessive anxiety these all lead to adverse effects on your health. You may notice that you are not eating properly or getting enough exercise. Make sure you are continually checking in with yourself and how you feel throughout the process.
  • Set boundaries that are healthy, reasonable, and fair. It is okay to say no. It is okay to protect your own interests and personal life when trying to help another person.
  • Get educated about their disease and how you can help. The more you are able to understand what the person is experiencing, the better the chances of you being able to help them make the right choice to get help.
  • Read Also: How To Deal With Addicted Family Member

    Adult Children Of Alcoholics

    Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families is a 12-step addiction support group for adults who spent their childhood years living with an addicted family member or a deeply flawed family structure. In this program, they operate and raise awareness that similar to all forms of addiction, family dysfunction is an illness with devastating effects during childhood and into adulthood, regardless if there were drugs or alcohol in the picture.

    Enthusiastic Sobriety Relies On Providing Support To The Entire Family

    Why are Support Groups for Families of Drug Addicts Important ...

    Parents of drug abusers experience a wide range of emotions drug abuse or drug addiction in the family is a very scary thing to have to deal with. Fear, guilt, anger, depression, confusion, and hopelessness can cripple any parent wrestling with addiction in the home. Other parents who have been through the addiction and treatment process can provide empathetic support. For many parents, this is the first step towards getting help or addressing any mental health issues that have arisen as a result of having a drug abuser in the home. The tools of enthusiastic sobriety apply as well to parents as to teens and young adults. These techniques provide parents with the opportunity to develop strategies for family recovery. Even if you have tried something like Al Anon or Nar Anon in the past, you may find that our unique perspective related to young people with drug problems is more useful to you.

    Read Also: Dr Montes Neurobiology Of Addiction

    What Is Samhsa’s National Helpline

    SAMHSAs National Helpline, , or TTY: is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. This service provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

    Also visit the online treatment locator, or send your zip code via text message: 435748 to find help near you. Read more about the HELP4U text messaging service.

    The Importance Of Family Addiction Support Groups

    A healthy support group is a crucial aspect in a recovering addicts life. In order to cope, sometimes families unknowingly take on roles to help overcome the dysfunction. Here at Multi Concept Recovery, we understand that addiction may not only be hard on individuals, but it may also be hard on families. We have provided information about how these family support groups can help. Anyone who has been directly or indirectly affected by someones substance abuse can benefit from a family addiction support group!

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    Things To Consider When Choosing A Support Group

    Finding a support group may seem overwhelming. First, being vulnerable and confronting difficult emotions in front of others can be challenging. Its important to consider the value of support groups while exploring the many options to choose from. Consider the following when choosing a support group:

    • How often does the group meet per week?
    • What is the structure of this support group?
    • Are there programs for other relatives?
    • Does the group include spiritual of health-based coping mechanisms?
    • How long does each meeting last?
    • What are the financing options for each meeting ?

    While group meetings take place, it may be helpful to consider the following group dynamics:

    • How do you feel in terms of expression?
    • Do other members make it uncomfortable?
    • Are my concerns addressed?
    • Are members able to connect with privacy?
    • Is the information provided in each meeting effective?

    It will always feel uncomfortable in the beginning when someone steps outside of their comfort zone and tries something newespecially a support group. It can be helpful to attend a groups meetings 3 times before deciding to join. During this process, it is important to be open minded and to look for similarities with others, not differences. When reaching out, one should try to be non-judgmental and to compare oneself with others. It is about relating to emotions not experiences.

    Family Support For Addiction Recovery Strengthens The Healing Process For All

    How a support group helps parents of addicts

    To provide guidance and understanding to families of people who are in treatment and recovery at Mirmont Treatment Center in Media, Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphiawe offer free family support for addiction recovery programming through on-site educational services.

    I thought that if my husband received help, that everything would be fine. Mirmonts Family and Friends Program helped me see that we all need to be part of the recovery process.

    Using our resources at the onset of your loved ones treatment will help you navigate the inpatient treatment process and continue to support you throughout your loved ones journey towards meaningful recovery.

    Family program sessions are held every Saturday afternoon from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. We ask that you attend a minimum of one session in this five-part series before visiting your loved one at Mirmont. This program includes:

    • Lectures
    • Introduction to

    We recognize the challenges and struggles a family has experienced prior to inpatient admission: broken trust, incredible confusion, and overwhelming stress. Addiction is a family diseaseit affects everyone, not just the person dealing with addiction.

    While we are treating your loved one at the inpatient level, we encourage you to engage with family support for addiction recovery programming. Involvement in the treatment process not only strengthens the patient recovery experience, it helps initiate the healing process for the family.

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    Help Get Family Support To Deal With A Drug Addicted Or Alcoholic Spouse

    Addiction can take a toll on any marriage. It can create a variety of problems for couples including financial hardship, arguments, trust issues, legal problems, and codependent behaviors. Loving a spouse with a substance use problem creates a unique set of challenges that only a person who has experienced it firsthand can truly understand. Support groups can provide spouses of addicted loved ones with the support of a group of peers who can relate to their struggle.

    All of the support groups listed above provide supportive services to spouses and other family members of addicted people.

    There are also supportive programs available exclusively for spouses, including:

    • Recovering Couples Anonymous: Recovering Couples Anonymous is a support program that uses the principles of AA but is not affiliated with Alcoholics Anonymous. They provide support groups for any couple who is suffering from addictions or other dysfunctions that are impacting their relationships. The only requirement to join Recovering Couples is that the couple is committed to remain together, to work on improving their relationship, and to deepen their intimacy with one another. They are currently offering meetings in 15 U.S. states.
    • Al-Anon for Spouses and Partners: In some locations, Al-Anon offers special support programs for spouses and romantic partners of individuals with alcoholism. Check their website to find out what programs may be available near you.

    Connecting With People In Similar Situations

    Sometimes, the best way to deal with trauma is by working through it alongside others who have faced or are facing a similar situation. Most people dont understand how it feels to support an addict unless theyve been in the situation themselves, and the simple act of sharing these struggles in support groups for families of addicts can help to minimize negative feelings such as stress, guilt and anger. Often, other group members have experienced the same specific issues and problems that you may be facing as a result of your loved ones addiction. As such, they may be able to offer unique insight and solutions that your friends, family members or health care providers may not have considered.

    Also Check: How To Cure Gaming Addiction

    What Is Your Role

    As a professional social worker, you already understand your role. You are a facilitator of support for individuals and families struggling with addiction. You could also encourage the patients family members to seek support of their own. One of the most effective ways is to connect family members with family support groups.

    For more information on support groups for families of addicts and treatment services at our addictions recovery center, contact Recovery Centers of America today by calling 1-800-RECOVERY.

    Audra Franchini

    Understanding The Relational Impact Of Substance Use Disorder

    Finding Alcohol Addiction Support Groups

    When someone we love is struggling with substance use disorder our tendency is to focus all of our attention on him or her and helping that person get well. This is, of course, of great importance, but it is also necessary to look beyond the individual. First, the involvement and support of family members plays a significant role in the recovery of addiction patients. Research suggests that family involvement in the intervention and recovery process enhances our patients potential for recovery. But recovery is not just for the individual suffering from addiction. Substance use disorder often spreads its roots throughout our patients community, such as close friends and family. Close relationships with someone who is struggling with addiction can affect people in several ways. Here are some of the ways support groups for families of drug addicts can help offer help during this difficult time.

    If you have a family member struggling with a substance use disorder, then it is important to begin seeking treatment at our addiction recovery centers immediately. Recovery Centers of America provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatments for patientsthat includes programs for families as well. We know that offering support groups for families of drug addicts is a crucial part of helping patients and their families recover and enable them to live healthy and successful lives. To learn more about our treatment programs contact us at 1-800-RECOVERY.

    Audra Franchini

    Also Check: Ohio Addiction Recovery Center Columbus Ohio

    How Multi Concept Recovery Can Help

    At Multi Concept Recovery, we offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs. Within these resources, we provide family education and counseling opportunities for families. This way families can support, understand, and learn from their family members addiction. Please contact us today if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction!

    Tip 4: Managing Depressive Symptoms In Substance Abuse Clients During Early Recovery

    This guide helps substance use counselors treat clients with symptoms of depression and substance use conditions. Program administrators will learn how to integrate depression treatment into early drug treatment. The guidelines cover screening, assessment, treatment, counseling, cultural competence, and continuing care.

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    How To Help A Loved One In Recovery

    Family involvement in Recovery can offer several benefits to your loved one. What specific actions can you take to show your loved one that you are there for them? Here are some ways you can help and support your loved one in Recovery:

  • Help your loved one build skills for coping: Stress is unavoidable, but by offering your support, your loved one can build coping skills for managing stress.
  • Encourage complete abstinence from drugs and alcohol: Completely abstaining from drugs and alcohol is difficult for those in Recovery, especially when you feel like you are going through the process alone. Family involvement can help support long-term abstinence.
  • Help your loved one follow their treatment recommendations: A comprehensive treatment plan can include multiple recommendations and services. With family involvement, your loved one may be more likely to follow the recommendations for their treatment.
  • Encourage peer support group participation: Your loved one may be hesitant to join a peer support group, but with your involvement, they may be more likely to participate and find support from people who are experiencing the same challenges.
  • Reduce family friction: Family support can reduce friction in close family relationships, which can help everyone feel better and help your loved one cope during the Recovery process.
  • Support Groups For Parents Struggling With A Childs Addiction

    Concord woman creates support group for parents of addicted children

    Watching a child suffer through addiction can be incredibly painful for any parent. Parents are natural protectors who are biologically wired to help their offspring and protect them from harm. It is no surprise that many parents with good intentions end up enabling their childs addictive behaviors when what they truly want is to simply end their childs pain and suffering.

    There are many resources and support programs available across the country for parents of addicted children including:

    Parents of Addicted Loved Ones : PAL is a resource for parents struggling to cope with a childs addiction. Not only do they offer face-to-face support groups across the country, but they have a wealth of online resources and educational information that parents can access 24/7. PAL helps parents deal with the pain of loving an addicted child and teaches them how to change the way they relate to their childs struggles. Michael Speakman, founder of PAL, states, When we focus on changing the way we help our loved one, rather than trying to change them, it gives us realistic hope.

    Al-Anon for Parents: Al-Anon also offers support groups specifically for parents in some locations. They also have a collection of online support stories available on their website, written by parents of addicted people for other parents of addicted people.

    Also Check: At Home Drug Addiction Treatment

    Advice For Families Of People Who Use Drugs

    Lots of families in the UK have a loved one who is using or trying to come off drugs.

    If you’re the parent, partner, child or carer of someone who uses drugs, you may feel worried, frustrated and alone.

    It’s important to recognise this and get the help and support you need.

    Families often play an important role in helping someone come off drugs. Getting help for yourself will put you in a better position for supporting your loved one.

    What To Do If Your Loved One Wont Seek Treatment

    If the individual decides not to seek treatment, be prepared to follow through with your ultimatums. This may be difficult for many of the people participating in the intervention, but it is a necessary part of the process.

    Often loved ones are subjected to violence, threats, and emotional and physical abuse at the hands of the individual who is struggling with addiction. While we cannot change their behavior, we can protect ourselves and leave if they refuse to get help.

    Do not be discouraged if you do not see immediate results following your intervention. Even if the process initially fails, you can still make many changes in your own life that will affect them. Most importantly, regardless of whether or not they choose to enter treatment right away, avoid enabling them to continue their negative behaviors and always encourage positive choices that they can make in their life.

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