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Addiction Support Groups for Family Members

Addiction doesn’t just affect the addict; it affects everyone around the addict including friends, family members, and even employers. So when someone decides to seek addiction recovery for themselves, family members are often left wondering how they can process and deal with the complicated situation that they have been in. For many support groups for family members of drug addicts is the key to coping with the situation successfully.

3 Minute Read | Published Oct 06 2023 | Updated Mar 08 2024 Expert Verified
Emma Collins
Written by
Amber Asher
Reviewed by
Emma Collins
Written by
Amber Asher
Reviewed by

BetterAddictionCare doesn’t just help addicts. Facilities in our nationwide recovery network may extend services to those affected by addiction and interested in joining one of the substance abuse support groups for families.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there are multiple ways in which family members are negatively affected by the actions of an addict. Some feel betrayed by the person that no longer follows through with things and often leaves responsibilities behind. Others struggle with an addict stealing or lying in order to get the next fix. These feelings are real and can affect the amount of anxiety and stress that an addict’s family members may feel. With support groups for family members of addicts, it’s possible to explain some of the frustration without the concern of being judged. It also provides an outlet for some of the emotions that have been held just under the surface.

At the same time, substance abuse support groups for families remind participants that they aren’t alone. They may realize that there are other families going through the same struggles. There are other parents, spouses, and close friends that are frustrated and hurt and scared. Knowing that others are going through the same thing and knowing that other families have made it through to the other side can reduce the amount of alienation and fear that many loved ones have. Support groups work hard to have a comfortable culture so that everyone is able participate or just observe. These support groups work well in conjunction with addiction counseling for family members. Even if you don’t have an addiction, counseling can be beneficial.

Parents, specifically, can benefit from support groups for families of drug addicts. Children of all ages have the potential to hurt their parents as they grapple with addiction and then work to get sober. It doesn’t matter if your child is a teenager or a grown adult, support groups for family members of addicts can help parents come to a greater understanding of the situation and learn strategies for dealing with the wide range of emotions that often accompany having a child struggle with addiction. Highly trained professionals facilitate the meetings, ensuring that everything within the support groups for family members of drug addicts runs smoothly.

Family members seeking help can fill out our contact form. We can help you find the right safe and comfortable support group that will allow you to start healing. Parents, siblings, and spouses are also given individualized attention as they work towards their own type of recovery. You don’t need to be alone anymore.

Resources

bullet Beattie, M. (2008).
"Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself. Hazelden Publishing."
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bullet Fischer, D. J., & Fenton, L. R. (2009).
"Healing the Addicted Brain: The Revolutionary, Science-Based Alcoholism and Addiction Recovery Program. Sourcebooks, Inc."
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Mello, N. K., & Mendelson, J. H. (2009).
"Medication for the treatment of addictions: Principles of pharmacology and mechanisms of action. Current Psychiatry Reports, 11(5), 364-374"
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Nace, E. P. (2011).
"The Addictive Personality: Understanding the Addictive Process and Compulsive Behavior. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers."
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Orford, J., Natera, G., Davies, J., Nava, A., Mora, J., Rigby, K., … & Velleman, R. (2013).
"Addiction recovery in Mexico: Quality of life changes in people receiving treatment for alcohol and drug dependence. Alcoholism Treatment Quarterly, 31(2), 163-183."
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Schuckit, M. A., & Tapert, S. F. (2012).
"Alcohol abuse/dependence and psychiatric disorders in adolescence: Comorbidity, treatment options, and related issues. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 73(9), e02."
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Smyer, M. A., & Evans, B. C. (2006).
"Cultural aspects of aging and health: Older African Americans and Hispanics. Journal of Aging and Health, 18(3), 419-446."
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Stark, M. J. (2008).
"Dropping out of substance abuse treatment: A clinically oriented review. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(6), 944-959."
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Whitaker, R. C., Orzol, S. M., & Kahn, R. S. (2006).
"Maternal mental health, substance use, and subsequent child behavior problems. American Journal of Public Health, 96(11), 1985-1992."
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
bullet Wurmser, L. (2011).
"The Hidden Dimension: An Inside View on the Emotional Consequences of the Addictive Personality. Hazelden Publishing."
Retrieved on September 09, 2020
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