The support of family as you go through treatment for a substance use disorder is invaluable. This is why structured family support groups are integral to the treatment and recovery experience. Family support groups can be conducted at a treatment center or through a more local community organization. There are both in-person and virtual options as well.
The treatment team at The Arbor can guide you to family support groups in Georgetown, Texas, that work for you and your family. Call today at 844.413.2690 to speak with a treatment specialist who can walk you through the treatment and support options.
Benefits of a Family Support Group
A family support group offers an opportunity to have healthy and constructive conversations around a loved one’s addiction. Addiction is a disease and can have lasting physical, mental, emotional, and financial effects on the entire family. It is not easy for family members to know how to best support a loved one battling a substance use disorder. With family support groups, others also share their experiences, which can be a comfort and a learning experience.
A family support group for addiction also has many other benefits, including:
- Emotional Support – Offers a safe space to share feelings and reduce isolation.
- Education – Provides insights into addiction, recovery, and coping strategies.
- Improved Communication – Helps families learn effective ways to interact with their loved ones.
- Stress Relief – Reduces anxiety and helps manage the challenges of supporting a loved one.
- Community Connection– Builds relationships with others experiencing similar struggles.
- Encouragement – Reinforces hope and motivation for both families and individuals in recovery.
- Healthy Boundaries– Teaches families to set and maintain supportive boundaries.
These are just some of the many benefits the family and the affected individual will receive from support groups for families of people with a substance use disorder.
Finding a Family Support Group
Many treatment centers offer family support groups right on-site to make it convenient for families and the person receiving treatment. These can be virtual or in-person sessions. Discussions focus on the root of addiction, setting boundaries, and managing triggers. Following the principles of organizations like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon, families can work together and learn from others who have gone through—or are going through—a similar experience.
At a family support group, you may participate in discussions around:
- The definition of addiction
- Relapse prevention
- The importance of family support
There can be a lot of guilt associated with addiction. While the addicted individual can feel guilt around their disease, families can also feel guilty for not recognizing the signs of addiction or feeling like they didn’t support a loved one enough.
The goals of family support sessions include:
- Establishing healthy boundaries
- Instilling mutual respect
- Encouraging family to express emotions
- Effective stress management
- Managing anger and resentment
- Learning to forgive
If the treatment program you are enrolled in does not offer family support groups on-site, they can recommend Al-Anon meetings–and meetings by other organizations—that are local and convenient to you and your family.
Enroll in a Family Support Group in Georgetown, TX, at The Arbor
In addition to family support through organizations in the community organizations like Al-Anon, The Arbor offers an in-person, on-site family program each month for 2 days, as well as digital Zoom sessions each week. Family programs like these pave the way for families to be an essential part of the treatment and recovery experience. The core of a sober support network is trusted family and friends. Having a sober network like this in an addicted individual’s life greatly reduces the risk of relapse.
Learn more about treatment and family support options by calling The Arbor today at 844.413.2690 or completing the online inquiry form.