Substance Misuse is not a "spectator sport".
Eventually, the whole family gets to play.
Substance misuse affects us all; many families in our communities have a loved one caught up in alcohol or drug addiction. The lives of these families are overshadowed by despair, worry and isolation.
Recovery is the hope on the horizon that keeps family members going, and it is the whole family that needs to recover.
The good news is, help and support is available, not only for the person battling addiction but for the whole family. However, the fear of being judged by friends and neighbours often consigns families to a life in secrecy and isolation and holds them back from getting the support that could make a difference.
Meeting others in the same situation or talking to someone in recovery from alcohol or drug addiction can help families to realise that recovery is possible and happens a lot more often than we realise.
LOCAL RESOURCES
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Ashwood Family Counseling
Our family counseling program is one of the most powerful aspects here at Ashwood Recovery. We have a team of experienced counselors who will listen to your story and develop a plan to support you as you, or a loved one enters recovery from addiction, eating disorders, self-harm, and other mental health issues.
Al-Anon &
Al-Ateen
Al-Anon/Alateen is a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics and is composed of non-professional, self-supporting, self-help groups. Anyone whose life is, or has been affected by a problem drinker, is eligible for membership. Alateen is a part of Al-Anon and is designed for the younger relatives and friends of alcoholics. Alateen meetings are conducted by the teens themselves and are guided by Al-Anon members
Nar-Anon
Support Groups
You will find love, understanding, and hope in the Nar-Anon Family Group. People in the group may be experiencing, in varying degrees, the same hurt, anger, and anxieties you may be feeling. We find people in Nar-Anon who understand what we are going through and are ready to share their experience, strength, and hope to help us. Below are the ways to find, submit, and edit Nar-Anon groups.
ONLINE RESOURCES
SAMHSA
Resources for Family
Confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Families should be open to the options of support groups or family therapy and counseling, which can improve treatment effectiveness by supporting the whole family.
It is also important to remember that the unique challenges that come from helping a loved one with a mental or substance use disorder can be taxing, so caregivers should take steps to prioritize their own health as well.
SMART Family & Friends Online Meetings & Resources
Our skills training for Family & Friends includes tools for positive communication skills and other strategies to help you change the dynamics of your relationship with your loved one. This method has been proven to be more successful than harsh interventions or complete detachment.
Our mutual desire is that your loved one will take on the choice to pursue their own recovery and that you will learn ways of improving your life at the same time.
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