Addiction is one of the hardest things that a family can go through. It’s estimated that addiction affects over 23 million Americans, and those numbers are only increasing.
If you’re the parent of an addict, you might feel like you’re all alone in this battle. But there are many support groups out there specifically for parents of addicts. These groups can provide much-needed emotional support and practical advice on how to deal with addiction in your family.
6 Types of Support Groups for Parents of Addicts
Here are 6 support groups for parents of addicts that you should know about:
1. Al-Anon
Al-Anon is a worldwide organization that offers support to families and friends of alcoholics. Al-Anon can still be a helpful resource if your child isn’t struggling with alcoholism. The organization provides weekly meetings, literature, and an online forum where parents can connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
2. Nar-Anon
Nar-Anon is similar to Al-Anon, but it’s specifically for families and friends of addicts. Nar-Anon also has weekly meetings, literature, and an online forum where parents can connect with others in similar situations.
3. Families Anonymous
Families Anonymous is a 12-step program for families and friends of addicts. The organization offers support through weekly meetings, literature, and an online forum. One of the unique things about Families Anonymous is that they provide a telephone helpline where parents can get support anytime, day or night.
4. Parent Support Network
The Parent Support Network is a nonprofit organization that supports parents of addicted children. The organization offers weekly meetings, an online forum, and a parent helpline. They also have a program called “parents in recovery,” which supports parents struggling with addiction.
5. Smart Recovery Family & Friends
Smart Recovery Family & Friends is a program based on the principles of self-empowerment and self-reliance. The program offers online support through its website and forums. They also have an annual family & friends conference where parents can connect with others and learn more about addiction and recovery.
6. National Association for Children of Addiction
The National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) is a national nonprofit organization that supports children and families affected by addiction. NACoA offers an online forum, literature, and referrals to local resources. They also have a program called “Parents Anonymous,” which offers weekly support group meetings for parents of addicts.
If you’re the parent of an addict, know that you’re not alone. There are many support groups out there that can help you through this difficult time.
Benefits of Support Groups
As parents, it’s difficult to talk about our problems and even more challenging to ask for help. But it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this battle. Here are some of the benefits of joining a support group:
1. You’ll gain a sense of community.
It can be isolating to deal with addiction in your family. But when you join a support group, you’ll instantly have a community of people who understand what you’re going through. This can provide much-needed emotional support during tough times.
2. You’ll learn from others’ experiences.
In a support group, you’ll be able to learn from the collective experience of other parents dealing with addiction. You might hear about resources you didn’t know about or get helpful advice on dealing with difficult situations.
3. You can share your story.
In a support group, you’ll have the opportunity to share your story with others who understand what you’re going through. This can be therapeutic and help you process your feelings about addiction.
4. You can find practical advice.
In a support group, you might find practical advice on how to deal with addiction in your family. For example, you might learn about resources like detox centers or treatment facilities.
5. You can develop healthy coping mechanisms.
You can develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety in a support group. This is important because parenting an addict can be very stressful.
6. You can get emotional support.
It’s important to have emotional support when you’re parenting an addict. A support group can provide a safe space to express your emotions and get feedback from others who understand what you’re going through.
How to Find Support Groups
If you’re interested in joining a support group, there are a few ways to find one. Here are some places to start:
1. Ask your child’s treatment center.
If your child is in treatment, ask the staff if they know of any support groups for parents. They might be able to give you information about local groups or refer you to online resources.
2. Check online directories.
Several online directories list support groups for parents of addicts. Try searching for “support groups for parents of addicts” or “parents of addicts support group.”
3. Contact national organizations.
Several national organizations offer support and resources for parents of addicts. For example, the National Association for Children of Addiction provides an online forum, literature, and referrals to local resources.
4. Ask your doctor.
Your doctor might be aware of support groups in your area or have information about online resources.
5. Talk to other parents.
If you know other parents with children with addiction, ask them if they know of any support groups. They might be able to give you information about groups in your area or refer you to online resources.
Joining a support group can be a helpful way to cope with addiction in your family. Finding a group that feels comfortable for you and that you feel connected with is essential. With the proper support, you can get through this difficult time.
Conclusion
Seeing your child go through addiction is one of the hardest things a parent can endure. There are many support groups available to help you through this difficult time. These groups can provide emotional support, practical advice, and coping mechanisms to help you through this tough time. Don’t be scared of seeking help.
We at Restore Center provide intensive outpatient programs to meet each individual’s unique needs. Our treatment centers offer various services, including individual and group therapy, family therapy, 12-Step support groups, and more.
We also offer a wide range of amenities, such as comfortable accommodations, delicious meals, and various recreational activities. If you’re looking for help for yourself or a loved one, we can provide the support you need to overcome addiction and start living a healthy, happy life.
Contact us today to learn more about our treatment programs and how we can help you or your loved one turn their life around.
