Back in the summer of 2021, The Sober Curator did a survey of our monthly readers (over 5,000 of you!) and discovered that nearly 20% of you are coming to our website because you have a family member or loved one battling addiction and/or substance abuse disorder. We realized we needed to start creating more content and resources just for you.
Addiction often wreaks havoc in the lives of family members and loved ones of the addict. If someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, you are not alone, and there is hope for recovery in your own life. We have put together a list of mutual support groups and other resources specifically designed for family members and friends.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that works to improve behavioral health and decrease substance abuse and mental illness in the nation. There are a number of resources available on their website including downloadable publications for families and loved ones: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Mutual Support Groups:
Al-Anon Family Groups – Help and hope for family and friends of alcoholics.
Al-Anon for Parents – Al-Anon also offers support groups specifically for parents in some locations.
Alateen (part of the Al-Anon fellowship) – A program for adolescent members of families affected by alcohol and drug addiction.
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)/Dysfunctional Families – A program for adult children who struggle with the effects of alcoholism or other family dysfunction, including the effects of alcohol and drug addiction.
Find a Meeting: Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)/Dysfunctional Families
Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) – A fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is to develop healthy relationships.
Faces & Voices of Recovery – The nation’s leading recovery advocacy organization promoting policies that are grounded in science, compassion, health, and human rights.
Families Anonymous (FA) – A 12-step fellowship for family and friends of individuals with drug, alcohol, or related behavioral issues.
Grief Recovery After Substance Passing (GRASP) – A support community for people who have lost someone they love to addiction and overdose.
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation – A variety of resources and support services for families facing alcohol and other drug addiction.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family Support Groups – Support groups for family members of anyone who has experienced the symptoms of a mental health disorder.
Nar-Anon Family Groups – A 12-Step program for the family and friends of people who are addicted to drugs.
Virtual Meetings Nar-Anon Family Groups
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) – A Christian-run, non-profit organization that provides support for parents who have children with drug and alcohol addiction.
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery Family & Friends – A science-based program for family members of people living with addiction.
Additional Resources
Melody Beattie books on codependency
Inspiring daily meditations from Al-Anon Family Groups
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Resources Are Available
If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
