At Recovery Navigators we believe that a critical part of family recovery is fellowship with and support from people with similar problems. Few experiences in recovery are as valuable as hearing from someone else a story that sounds like yours.
There are many excellent support groups for the families and loved ones of people struggling with alcohol and other drugs.
Here are a few, in alphabetical order, not any indication of preference.
Quoted passages are from the groups’ websites. What’s right for you? It’s where you feel comfortable and supported.
Let’s talk about finding the right path for you.
Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families
adultchildren.org
ACA uses the 12-step model and is designed for people who grew up in a family with any dysfunction, not only alcoholism and addiction.
Al-Anon/Alateen
al-anon.org
Based on the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program, Al-Anon is the oldest and largest network of support for families and friends of those addicted to alcohol.
Alateen is a support fellowship for young people who have been affected by the alcohol abuse of a loved one. It is part of the Al-Anon organization.
Celebrate Recovery
celebraterecovery.com
Also based on the 12 steps, CR is a Christ-centered program of support. In a CR meeting, people struggling with any “hurt, pain or addiction” (alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, spending, families of addicts etc.) are welcome.
Co-Dependents Anonymous
coda.org
CoDA is another 12-step group that is “a program of recovery from codependence.”
Families Anonymous
familiesanonymous.org
FA is another 12-step program “for the families and friends who have known a feeling of desperation concerning the destructive behavior of someone very near to them, whether caused by drugs, alcohol, or related behavioral problems.”
GRASP
grasphelp.org
Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing is support “for those who have lost someone to substance use or addiction.”
Nar-Anon/Narateen
www.nar-anon.org
Another 12-step program, Nar-Anon is a “worldwide fellowship for those affected by someone else’s addiction.”
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones
palgroup.org
PAL combines an educational element with its mutual support model, using “an evidence-based curriculum designed specifically for parents by professionals in the treatment and recovery industry.”
Partnership to End Addiction
drugfree.org
The Partnership to End Addiction works to prevent and end addiction in the U.S. at the policy and personal levels. It has excellent resources for families and employers.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
www.samhsa.gov/families
Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders: Every family is unique, but all families share a bond that can be used to support one another during trying times.
SMART Recovery Family & Friends
www.smartrecovery.org
Associated with the SMART Recovery program, which provides science-based tools and support based on cognitive therapy, this program positive “communication skills and other strategies to help you change the dynamics of your relationship with your loved one.”