Addiction is often referred to as a family disease, because it significantly impacts those in the person with addiction’s life. When the person enters recovery, their friends, family, partner, and other loved ones may need to recover, too.
Thankfully, there are plenty of resources for the loved ones of people with substance use disorders. Al-Anon is a 12-step fellowship for family and friends of those with alcohol use disorder.[1] It is a place for those who have had similar experiences to share their strength and hope. Nar-Anon is similar, but for loved ones of those with a drug use disorder.[2]
Alateen is an offshoot of Al-Anon specifically for teenagers who are impacted by someone else’s drinking.[3] Families anonymous is a 12-step group for family and friends of people with addiction or destructive behaviors.[4]
Many addiction treatment centers offer family therapy. This is an opportunity for family and friends to heal alongside the person who is entering recovery. It allows loved ones to learn how to show support, while also recovering themselves and building (or rebuilding) emotional health.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for mental health disorders and addiction in facilities across the country. We offer family therapy to help repair relationships and promote healing.To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.
[1] https://al-anon.org/
[2] https://www.nar-anon.org/
[3] https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/
[4] https://www.familiesanonymous.org/about-fa/