FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP

People with substance use disorders often find themselves isolated from their families or in ongoing conflict with family members. Family members (including extended family members) and significant others may experience feelings of abandonment, anxiety, fear, anger, concern, embarrassment, or guilt. Family members often do not understand substance use disorders and the changes that have occurred in their family. They also may not understand the dynamics of recovery and the changes that recovery brings. Providing education about substance use disorders and recovery and an opportunity for family members to talk about their concerns is critical to helping them support the person who is in treatment and can alleviate anxiety and other negative feelings they may have.