No matter how much guilt, resentment, anger, or hopelessness has built up in your family, we want you to know that there is hope. The Arbor offers a 2-day in-person family program once a month for the family members of the clients in our family support groups. It can address the needs of the addicted person’s family as they navigate the path to sobriety and healthy living. It’s not uncommon for there to be a complete breakdown of communication between the individual experiencing addiction and their family. Our family program helps bridge this gap and get the entire family moving in a healthy direction.
The Arbor Family Services
From the beginning, our family services facilitators have specialized in identifying opportunities for families to come together and recover as a unit. They excel in making our family services more readily accessible to The Arbor’s residents and their loved ones. Families interested in taking part in our Family Wellness Program or our Family Support Group are encouraged to contact Amy directly, via email at [email protected] or call 844-413-2640.
About the Facilitator Brian Samford, Ph.D.
Brian started the journey of recovery in 1990 upon entering a treatment program. After being so impacted by his counselor’s compassion, Dr. Samford decided to become a counselor & pursue a career in helping others.
Today, Dr. Samford is currently honored with being the executive director at the Arbor Behavioral Healthcare, as well as co-facilitator for our family program. Much of his career has been focused on creating more effective methods for treating people struggling with addiction and mental health concerns. With his Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, he is firmly committed to helping families heal and move forward.
About the Co-Facilitator Amy Alden
Amy Alden, family services manager, is passionate about working with families. Amy has a strong understanding of family dynamics and the roles that each family member plays in our client’s recovery. She believes that it’s imperative to address not only the person with a substance use disorder but also the family. This approach helps clients obtain full and lasting recovery. In combining her own education, efforts, and experience Amy found her stride and excelled in connection with clients and families. Families interested in taking part in our Family Wellness Program or our Family Support Group are encouraged to contact Amy directly, via email at [email protected] or call 844-413-2640.
About Our Family Support Group
The Arbor is pleased to announce its new Digital Family Support Group via Zoom every Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm CST. This program is co-facilitated by Dr. Brian Samford and Amy Adlen. We cover a wide variety of topics such as addiction being a family disease, support vs. enabling, codependency, setting and keeping boundaries, and the principles taught by Al-Anon.
We will discuss:
- Why the American Medical Association defines addiction as a disease: The American Medical Association (AMA) defines addiction as a disease because it’s a chronic condition that affects the brain and behavior, causing uncontrolled substance use despite harm. It alters the brain’s reward and motivation systems, making it a medical issue, not a moral failing. Recognizing it as a disease helps reduce stigma and promotes compassionate, science-based treatment.
- Relapse and relapse prevention: Relapse is a return to substance use after a period of sobriety. It’s common in recovery and signals the need for changes in treatment or coping strategies. Relapse prevention involves identifying triggers, building healthy habits, and managing cravings and stress through therapy, support groups, mindfulness, or a sponsor.
- What Al-Anon is and why it is important for you to attend: Al-Anon is a support group for friends and family of those struggling with addiction. It provides a safe space to share experiences, get support, and set healthy boundaries. Addiction affects not just the individual but their loved ones too. Attendees can find relief, cope with challenges, and focus on their well-being.
- What “working a program” means: “Working a program” means actively following a structured recovery plan, often based on a 12-step model. It includes attending meetings, completing steps, working with a sponsor, and applying the program’s principles to daily life. It’s about committing to personal growth, accountability, and positive changes for long-term recovery.
The 3 Cs:
- You didn’t cause the addiction: Addiction is a complex issue influenced by many factors, including genetics, environment, and personal experiences. It’s not your fault, and you are not to blame for someone else’s struggles with addiction.
- You can’t control the addiction/addicted person: No matter how much you care or how hard you try, you cannot control another person’s behavior or choices. The path to recovery is ultimately their responsibility, not yours.
- You can’t cure the addiction: While you can offer support and encouragement, the journey to overcoming addiction requires professional help, determination, and effort from the individual. It’s not something you can fix for them.
You will learn how to:
- Regain your self-respect
- Establish better boundaries
- Identify & effectively express emotions
- Cope with stress
- Deal with anger and resentment
- Forgive yourself
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare views addiction as something that impacts the entire family. Our mission is to help family members and significant others address the negative effects it has had on their lives. These effects often result from being emotionally close to and personally involved with someone struggling with addiction.
The Arbor’s Family Program Promotes Authentic Healing
Our staff offers supportive care through online support groups for families of addicts, telephone calls, individual family sessions, and referrals. Recovery is possible for your family. Call 844.413.2690 or use our convenient online contact form to learn more about our family program or any of our Georgetown addiction treatment services.