Family / Caregivers

Resources for loving someone with a Substance Use Disorder

Support Groups

Smart Friends and Family

SMART Recovery Family & Friends meetings are a dedicated space for those with loved ones who are struggling with addiction.

When/Where: Online and in person meetings available.
Dates/times vary. Find a meeting at SMART Recovery – Meetings (Use filter to narrow search to “Family and Friends” meetings)
Cost: Free of charge
For more information visit https://smartrecovery.org/family.

NorthStar Family Education Group via Zoom

In order to help a loved one find sobriety, it’s crucial that you learn a few things: what resources are available, how to take care of yourself and your stress, and some communication tips and tricks that will improve your relationship with your loved one on their journey to sobriety.

When: Thursdays 6:30pm-7:30pm
Where: Virtual via Zoom
Cost: Free of charge
For more information visit https://www.northstarcommunity.com/services
To join this group online visit https://www.northstarcommunity.com/calendar?loxi_pathname=%2Ffamily-education-via-zoom-1362.

Master Center Family Support Group via Zoom

Series of 4 virtual classes facilitated by a trained substance abuse counselor. Topics include brain science, family dynamics, and coping skills. Must be an established patient at Master Center to participate in these courses.

When: Rolling admission to this group
Where: Virtual via zoom
Cost: Based on insurance co-pay or self-pay. Financial Assistance Available
For more information visit https://mastercenter.com/services/family-program/.

HOPE Family Support Program

Loving someone with a substance use disorder. Faith based.

When: Sundays 5pm-6:30pm
Where: Hope Church-12445 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Va 23238
Cost: Free of Charge
For more information visit https://www.hopechurchrva.com/groups-archive/loving-someone-with-substance-use-disorder/.

Families Anonymous

A 12 step fellowship for the family and friends of those individuals with drug, alcohol, or related behavioral issues.

When/Where: Online and in person meetings available.
Dates/Times vary. Find a meeting at https://familiesanonymous.org/meetings/meeting-directories/.
Cost: Free of charge

Nar-Anon Family Groups

A 12 step program for family and friends.

When/Where: Online and in person meetings available.
Dates/times vary. Find a meeting at https://www.nar-anon.org/find-a-meeting.
Cost: Free of charge

Al-Anon Family Groups

Help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics.

When/Where: Online and in person meetings available.
Dates/times vary. Find a meeting at https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/find-an-al-anon-meeting/.
Cost: Free of charge

Programs/Organizations

Ilume Family Recovery

A Family support organization that offers ​Support Groups, Community Education and Discussion Groups, Individual and Group Family Coaching, BALM (Be A Loving Mirror) 12 Principles Classes/Groups, Mom Squad – Mom Support Group, Guest speakers for Family Education Programs.

When/Where: Group dates/times vary
Cost: Price varies based on program participation  
For more information visit https://www.illumefamilyrecovery.org/.

BALM (Be a Loving Mirror) Family Recovery

An online education and coaching support program for families with loved ones struggling to recovery from Substance Use Disorder.

When/Where: Online education program-go at your own pace
Cost: Price varies based on program participation
For more information visit https://balmfamilyrecovery.com/.

CMC Foundation for Change

Provides evidence-based tools for change to everyone who cares about a person struggling with substance use. Utilizing the Invitation to Change (ITC) approach.

When/Where: Program dates/times vary
Cost: Price range varies from $0-$500 (higher cost for more intensive training programs, online support groups available for $0-$15 for drop in participation)
For more information visit https://cmcffc.org/.

Partnership to End Addiction (Groupos disponibles en Espanol)

Partnership to End Addiction is a result of the cohesive joining of two pioneering and preeminent addiction-focused organizations — Center on Addiction and Partnership for Drug-Free Kids. We combine our depth of expertise with our compassion-driven, hands-on approach to deliver solutions to individuals and families and proactively take action to incite productive change. Together, as Partnership to End Addiction, we mobilize families, policymakers, researchers and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale. Groupos disponibles en Espanol.

When/Where: Online meetings available. Times vary. Find a meeting at https://drugfree.org/supportmeetings/  (Meeting links become available 15 minutes prior to the start of the group)
Cost: Free of Charge
For more information visit https://drugfree.org/work-with-us/.

Books

No More Letting Go by Debra Jay                          

Beyond Addiction by Jeffrey Foote                

Get Your Loved One Sober by Robert Meyers

Everything Changes by Beverly Conyers    

BALM: The Loving Path to Family Recovery, by Beverly Buncher.

Love First by Debra and Jeff Jay

Podcasts

Rise Recover Live Podcast

S1 Episode 36: Brittany & Becky: Celebrating Recovery as a Family: “I got my daughter back.”

S1 Episode 40: Alison Jones Webb on Being an Ally: Who are we, and how do we support the recovery community?

S2 Episode 15: Melissa Pagan: Navigating Family, Boundaries, and Supporting the Supporters

Marijuana Prevention Tips

Have an Open and Honest Discussion

• Know where you stand on this issue.
• Listen, pay attention, and try not to interrupt or respond in anger.
• Offer facts about harm, addiction, mental health, risks, and consequences of use.
• Become knowledgeable in the subject.
• It’s still illegal for under 21 years of age.

Common Signs

• Increased irritability
• Losing interest and motivation to do usual activities
• Memory difficulty
• Carrying vape pens, pipes, lighters
• Acting silly that is considered “out of character” for no apparent reason
• Coming home with red eyes
• Spending time with friends who use marijuana
• Change or increase in appetite
• Stealing money or unaccounted money

Words / Slang

“Sparking up”, “420”, “Shatter”, “Weed”, “Grass”, “Spliffs”, “Pot” and “Dabbing”

Synthetic marijuana-like drugs are K2 and Spice

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357) and samhsa.gov

Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Substance Use Prevention

This guide offers information that can help you raise children who understand the risks of substance use. The guide includes an overview of substance use among children, youth, and young adults; descriptions of some substances young people may use; a look at risk factors that may make children, youth, and young adults try alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, and protective factors that help offset those risks; suggestions for how to talk to young people about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs, tailored to their age group; and tips on what to do if you suspect your child is using alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.