Treatment And Recovery Services
Experiencing addiction second-hand can have lasting effects. Regardless of where a person may be in their recovery, the lives of those closest to them can become painful, complicated and overwhelming.
Many OASAS-certified treatment programs and OASAS-run Addiction Treatment Centers offer treatment services for family members that have been impacted by substance use disorders. You can ask a treatment provider if they offer treatment to family members. OASAS treatment programs may also employ a Family Support Navigator. Navigators are trained staff that help individuals and their families understand addiction and navigate the addiction services system.
Treatment for family and loved ones is often be covered by insurance.If you experience insurance issues accessing services call the OASAS CHAMP line or email:
Brightside Recovery Can Help Your Loved One
Brightside Recovery has over 25 years of experience working with clients with addictions issues and mental illness. We understand the barriers that you face in day-to-day life when it comes to your addiction. We are prepared to help you every step of the way. We offer different types of therapy and treatment programs to tailor your treatment plan to you and your specific needs. We have individual therapy, group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment available through our programs. Brightside is unlike other treatment programs because we recognize that relapse is part of the recovery process. We will not discharge clients who have relapsed. Instead, we will be available to support you through that stage of your recovery. Additionally, we understand that your mental health diagnoses are just as important to treat as your addiction. We offer individually tailored treatment plans to address both substance use and mental health during your treatment here.
Contact us today to schedule an immediate appointment so you can get the help you deserve.
Additional Addiction Support Group Options
Again, as with treatment, individual needs vary, so its good to be aware that there are many options when it comes to group supports. For those with co-occurring mental health issues, Dual Recovery Anonymous was formed specifically to address both and covers alcohol as well as other substances.
One can also find meetings designed for specific populations such as male, female, LGBTQ, young persons or professionals so as to make the experience as comfortable as possible. It may take some trial and error, but there is likely an option out there to suit ones needs.
The above groups, along with others, all offer some form of online meetings, which is especially helpful for anyone who may not have access to transportation or for whom a local in-person meeting isnt available.
Its important to understand that these support programs are peer-led, and as such, they arent a substitute for individual counseling or group therapy. Recovery plans often include support groups in addition to regular counseling, group therapy and ongoing medical attention.
Recovery takes a village, and group support can be a great place to find people whove struggled too, and have found ways to stay in recovery.
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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.
Drug Addiction Support Group
One of the most powerful forms of support, drug addiction groups provide the immediate, supportive environment you need if you are thinking about using. Because those who have drug addictions tend to carry a significant amount of self-blame, this environment can provide immediate help from others who know how withdrawal feels and how challenging it is to live clean.
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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.
Prepare Meals And Eat Them As A Family
In todays modern, chaotic world, its all too easy to eat separately. One partner grabs a burger on the way home, the other snacks on a salad at work and the kids heat up ready-made foods they can find in the freezer.
A family meal allows everyone to reconnect at the end of a day that may have been stressful, lonely or upsetting. Each meal helps build upon the work done in family therapy, and the ritual of eating together can promote a sense of common ground and togetherness.
The activity doesnt have to stop at the table, either. Spending time making the meal together or cleaning up afterward can increase the benefits. Even one meal together per week can have a significant impact.
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For Families Of Addicts
Relatives and loved ones of those dealing with addiction have to go through a lot, but there is little spotlight placed on their struggles. These support groups for families of addicts provide a means for them to find strength in their circumstances.
- Nar-Anon: For the loved ones affected by a person dealing with addiction, Nar-Anon is a 12-step program that empowers them to be stronger through shared experiences. Narateen is an offshoot to help teenagers dealing with the same.
- Al-Anon: Al-Anon is the best option for those who have had their lives affected by an alcoholic in it. Alateen is a similar peer support program for teens who suffer from an alcoholic in their lives.
- Families Anonymous: This is a 12-step program targeted toward family members and friends of people with substance use disorders.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics: Growing up in a home with an alcoholic can have immense effects on children, and the effects may persist into adulthood. ACOA is a 12-step program that supports individuals who have experienced such.
Sending an email and contacting support groups for families of addicts provides people with great resources to learn from and get information. However, it is essential to keep in mind that these programs and groups are never a substitute for professional addiction treatment and help.
How To Find Support Groups Near Me
Finding support groups near your home is as easy as checking the websites for meetings in your area.
- to find a Nar-Anon meeting near you.
- to find an Al-Anon meeting near you.
- to find a Families Anonymous meeting near you.
If you cant find an in-person meeting near you, virtual meetings are also available.
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Things To Look For In Addiction Treatment Centers For Women
Drug addiction impacts men and women in different ways, which is why there are many women-only addiction treatment centers. Women who have issues with men or simply want the support of other women may feel more comfortable attending a treatment
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Understanding Addiction Impact On Families
When a family member is experiencing a mental or substance use disorder, it can affect more than just the person in need of recovery. Evidence has shown that some people have a genetic predisposition for developing mental and substance use disorders and may be at greater risk based on environmental factors such as having grown up in a home affected by a family members mental health or history of substance use. Family members should be open to the options of support groups for families of addicts or family therapy and counseling, which can improve treatment effectiveness by supporting the whole family.
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Family Programs And Support
When you have a family member who struggles with addictionwhether theyre in denial about it, in a treatment program or well into recoveryits really hard to take the focus off of the addict and begin to focus, instead, on your own behaviors. But thats exactly what needs to happen in order for you and your loved ones to move forward. Our services for families provide you with the insight, tools and support to do just that.
Do I Need Health Insurance To Receive This Service
The referral service is free of charge. If you have no insurance or are underinsured, we will refer you to your state office, which is responsible for state-funded treatment programs. In addition, we can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. If you have health insurance, you are encouraged to contact your insurer for a list of participating health care providers and facilities.
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How Does Addiction Impact Families
While addiction is an extremely isolating, personal experience, theres no denying that addiction can impact an addicts whole family. This is because substance abuse inevitably physically, mentally, and emotionally changes the addict, destroying relationships in the wake of addiction.
Conflict and secrecy can become second nature to an addicts behavior, which is unhealthy and harmful to any relationship, either within your family, friend circle, or professional relationships. Not only do families struggle to communicate with their loved ones suffering from drug addiction, but many families can feel helpless and not know where to turn or how to help their loved ones suffering from addiction.
In 2017, it was estimated that 1 in 8 children lived in a household with at least one parent who suffered from a substance use disorder in the last year. This shocking statistic shows just how many childrens lives are impacted by a parent suffering from addiction.
Parents Of Addicted Loved Ones
PARENTS OF ADDICTED LOVED ONESis an organization where people come together to support each other, share their stories, and find solutions. PAL is not a Twelve Step group, but many supplement their Twelve Step meetings with PAL group support.
Though the group name, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones, implies that to belong to this group you must have an addicted child, PAL offers support to all who find themselves taking a parental role in their relationship with an addicted loved one. This can include
- Biological parents
- Anybody in a relationship where your role is parenting the addict
One of the exercises PAL groups use is to picture your addicted loved ones age. Many parents of addicts found they visualized their offspring as an adolescent, even if the addict was an adult. The truth is that when somebody becomes addicted they stop growing emotionally. When you use a substance to shut down your feelings you dont have a chance to grow up through dealing with everyday life and the normal emotions and feelings life commonly causes.
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What Are The Best Resources Are For Families Members That Suffer From Addiction
There are plentiful resources for families members that suffer from addiction. Support groups are the best resources for support. Support groups exist in most communities and can be found by looking online or talking to friends who have family members with addiction problems.
When a loved one is struggling with an addiction, families tend to react in a number of different ways: from anger and blame, guilt and shame, fear and sadness, helplessness and hopelessness. All these emotions interfere with the ability to find support during difficult times as well as support for healthy changes.
In addition to support groups, families should take time every day for self-care practices such as journaling or meditating that will help them avoid negative feelings while in between support group meetings.
How To Find Resources For Families Of Addicts
Addiction support for families is important. Thats why finding resources for alcoholics families is critical so families can receive the support they need to connect and openly express their feelings in a safe space. You should never blame yourself for your loved one struggling with addiction.
To find resources for families of addicts, consider researching local support groups in your area. Online support groups are also available for those who may live in an area where support groups are limited. Some addiction treatment centers may even offer some resources for families of addicts.
At Atlanta Recovery Place, we understand how hard it can be for families of addicts to suffer from watching their loved ones change before their eyes due to addiction. Our treatment center provides a comprehensive approach to not just provide support and resources for your loved one to overcome addiction. But, we also provide a family-oriented approach to help repair relationships that have been fractured at the hands of addiction.If you or someone your know is struggling with addiction, contact us today so we can help you live a life free of addiction.
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Families Of Addicts & Their Roles
Families of addicts can adopt roles such as protector, enabler, co-dependent, and scapegoat.
The Protector role is often adopted by the family member who tries to take care of everyone and make sure they are okay. The Enabler role enables the addicts behavior by making excuses for the addict, providing the addict with money or drugs, and/or cleaning up after the addict.
The Co-Dependent role is often adopted by the family member who feels responsible for the addicts well-being and tries to control the addicts behavior. The Scapegoat role is often adopted by the family member who takes on the blame for everything that goes wrong in the family. Family roles can cause distress and resentment, and make it difficult for family members to support each other.
Codependency can be defined as an emotional and behavioral pattern that can be both psychologically and socially harmful. Codependency is a learned behavior or learned helplessness. Co-dependent people believe that they cannot function without the other persons support, love, guidance, etc.
There are support groups available for families of addicts all over the world. They can provide much-needed support and guidance to help cope with the unique challenges of addiction. Its important for family members of addicts to attend support group meetings and individual counseling
How Can I Find A Support Group Meeting Near Me
For almost any behavioral addiction, theres a 12-step group. In addition to the more common behavioral addictions listed above, 12-step groups also exist for lesser-known behavioral addictions, such as work addiction, shopping addiction, and even debt addiction. Some of these 12-step groups include:
- Spenders Anonymous: For anyone unable to control their spending, this 12-step group offers support as you regain control of your finances and helps you establish a better relationship with money. You learn better ways to manage your money and gain support as you recover from compulsive spending habits.
- Debtors Anonymous: Some people develop a habit of incurring increasing, unsecured debts, a pattern that can become just as addictive as any other type of behavioral addiction. This group provides a 12-step approach so you can stop incurring debt, share your experience, and connect with others in similar circumstances.
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What Are The Benefits Of Having Support Groups For Families Of Addicts
There are benefits of having support groups for families of addicts. One of the benefits is that family members will have a safe place to share their feelings and thoughts about the addiction. They will also be able to receive support from other family members who are going through a similar situation. This support can help family members feel less alone and more hopeful.
In addition, support groups can provide families with information about addiction and its effects on the family. Families can also learn about resources available to them, such as treatment centers or support groups for addicts. Finally, support groups can help families develop coping skills that they can use in order to deal with the addiction.
There are many different types of support groups for families of addicts. Some support groups are specific to the type of addiction such as alcohol or drug addiction. Other support groups are open to families of any addict, regardless of the type of addiction.
