Families and friends of people with issues related to drug or alcohol use often experience significant emotional, social, and professional difficulties. Various support groups are available across the US for families and friends, to help overcome and manage these problems and provide education and skills to better cope with their loved one’s substance use.
- Support groups for families affected by addiction can provide emotional support, teach skills and coping strategies, and improve the ability to support loved ones throughout their addiction and recovery.
- Support groups can be spiritually focused, utilizing 12-step or faith-based approaches, or they may be focused on evidence-based and scientific approaches to recovery. Many groups offer in-person and online meetings.
- People who attend family support groups can be offered advice and a safe space to share their experiences.
Why families need support groups
Addiction can have a significant impact on the lives of the individual using substances as well as the people around them. Many people with problems related to alcohol or drug use attend support groups to help with abstinence and recovery. It is also common for family members or friends of these people to require support in managing their experiences, which can be provided at family and friends’ support groups.
These groups can provide people with information and education to gain a better understanding of substance use disorders, treatment, and recovery. They can also offer support in managing the individuals own experiences and emotions and teach skills to support their loved ones, while protecting themselves, through substance use recovery. [1][2]
Education
Some people may attend a support group to learn more about how addictions develop, the associated symptoms and behaviors, the types of treatments available and how they work, aspects of the recovery process, or the likelihood and risks of relapse.
Personal support
While helping someone with their drug or alcohol use, loved ones can experience adverse effects in their own lives, including:
- Financial problems
- Emotional distress, including feelings such as guilt, shame, anger, or fear
- Aggression or violence from their loved one
- Financial or emotional manipulation
- Worries about losing a loved one to substance overdose
Support groups can help families by providing a safe space to express these experiences and emotions with others who have gone through something similar. They can receive empathetic responses and advice which can help them deal with these feelings and learn how to cope with their loved one’s addiction or recovery process.
Skills to support a loved one
Support groups can provide families with the necessary skills to support someone currently experiencing addiction or recovery. This can include learning to improve communication, give empathy and encouragement, set boundaries, change enabling behaviors, and acknowledge their experiences without judgment. [3]
Types of support groups for families of addicts
Various support groups for families are available throughout the United States. They can vary depending on the type of substance use, age of the family member or friend, approach to support, religious or cultural needs, or relationship to the individual. This means that people can choose to attend a support group that is appropriate for their situation and offers the type of support they require.
12-Step programs
Examples include:
- Al-Anon: For family members affected by a loved one’s alcohol use
- Alateen: For teenagers affected by a loved one’s alcohol use (part of Al-Anon)
- Nar-Anon: For friends and families affected by a loved one’s drug use
- Families Anonymous: For family members concerned about a loved one’s drug or alcohol use
- Co-Anon: For friends and families of people with cocaine addiction
These groups utilize the principles of 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous, providing structured support to family members and friends. They are typically led by non-professional individuals who have their own experiences with their own or a loved one’s drug or alcohol misuse.
These groups are free of charge and are available to anyone affected by a person’s drug or alcohol use. They are available across the United States and in many other countries worldwide.
Educational support groups
SMART Recovery Family & Friends uses the professionally developed principles of Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) and Community Reinforcement Approach and Family Training (CRAFT). Meetings can be accessed in person and online and are led by non-professionals.
SMART Recovery can help people manage their experience of a loved one’s drug or alcohol use with evidence-based techniques, scientific knowledge, and personal experience.
Other family support groups are available that provide support using similar methods. For example, Allies in Recovery is a membership-based support program that offers skills training based on CRAFT.
Additionally, family and friends can utilize professional support such as therapy or counseling, provided by qualified or trained professionals. These sessions can be accessed by an individual or as a family.
Faith-based support groups
Support groups based on the 12-step principles involve a spiritual approach to recovery, although do not associate with any specific religion. Other support groups are available that are specific to a certain religion, such as:
- Celebrate Recovery: A Christian support group that utilizes the 12 steps to help individuals and families.
- Refuge Recovery: A support organization utilizing Buddhist principles.
- Alcoholics for Christ: A Christian support group for people with drug or alcohol use issues and their families, based on the 12 steps.
Online support communities
Various online communities are available that offer support to families and friends of people with substance use issues. Many support groups that meet in person also provide online meetings, which can be found through their websites. Additionally, there may be forums or discussion groups found on social media sites such as Reddit and Facebook, where families can share their experiences. They may also offer assistance via telephone, text, or communication apps.
Other family support groups
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL): PAL provides meetings in various locations across the US for parents of adults with substance use concerns.
Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing (GRASP): GRASP holds meetings all over the US for people who have lost a loved one due to substance overdose or addiction.
The Pathway Program: The Pathway Program provides meetings in certain locations in Arizona and California and is designed to support parents of young people with drug and alcohol use concerns.
How to find the right support group
When looking for a support group that offers assistance to second party individuals affected by substance use, it can be useful to consider the follow questions:
- Does the group focus on a specific substance or alcohol use?
- Does the group utilize scientific or spiritual approaches to support?
- Do these approaches align with my beliefs and/or are they welcoming of other perspectives?
- When and where are the meetings held?
- Can I dedicate enough time to going weekly?
- Are there costs involved?
- What are the structures or principles involved in the meetings?
- Who runs the meetings and do they have personal or professional experience?
After trying a new group, you may wish to consider if the group meets your needs and addresses your concerns. If not, it may be necessary to try a different type of support group. However, it is important to remember that you may experience some emotional discomfort when starting a new group, so it can be helpful to attend several meetings before deciding if it is suitable for you.
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