The greatest lie every substance user tells themselves is, “I’m only hurting myself.” Every parent and family member of an addict, alcoholic, or substance user knows: addiction and substance use affects the whole family.

The Insight Program offers parent support groups as an integral part of its 12-step program and drug and alcohol rehab and counseling services. In some cases, we will allow family and friends to attend as well, depending on the individual situation.

Being a parent of a young person struggling with addiction or a substance use disorder is extremely scary, saddening, and even infuriating. Our support groups function to provide you with answers, hope, and relationships with other parents who “get it.”

Our support groups meet once per week, and feature interaction with other parents who are on the same journey as you. Often they are a few steps ahead of you in the process and can provide hope and solutions. These parent support groups are included as part of a young person’s drug and alcohol treatment. They may also be open to parents whose children are not currently in treatment or recovery – please contact the Insight Program location nearest you to ask for details regarding that city’s weekly parent support group meeting.

What about my son or daughter’s drug problem?

Parents of adolescents or teens with drug problems have often tried everything – talking, fighting, consequences, rewards, more rules, less rules, behavior contracts, drug counseling – the list goes on. Teens and young adults with substance abuse issues need family support to increase the possibility of successful treatment. We often say that there are no guarantees in the drug treatment world. However, we do know that family involvement dramatically improves the chances of success.

We place a premium on providing a support network for families of addicts. While it seems that support for the drug user is in no short supply, the family is often left wondering what to do.

Enthusiastic sobriety relies on providing support to the entire family

Parents of drug abusers experience a wide range of emotions – drug abuse or drug addiction in the family is a very scary thing to have to deal with. Fear, guilt, anger, depression, confusion, and hopelessness can cripple any parent wrestling with addiction in the home. Other parents who have been through the addiction and treatment process can provide empathetic support. For many parents, this is the first step towards getting help or addressing any mental health issues that have arisen as a result of having a drug abuser in the home. The tools of enthusiastic sobriety apply as well to parents as to teens and young adults. These techniques provide parents with the opportunity to develop strategies for family recovery. Even if you have tried something like Nar Anon or Al Anon family groups in the past, you may find that our unique perspective related to young people with drug problems is more useful to you.

What to expect at our support groups for parents of addicts / substance users

• Weekly 12 step based support groups for families / parents of drug addicts or substance abusers.
• Opportunity to connect with other parents who can relate and offer suggestions and hope.
• You will learn strategies to respond to your loved one as they go through the ups and downs of their recovery journey.
• You will acquire tools to manage the difficult emotions associated with the early recovery process.
• You will learn how to set up boundaries with your child and stick to them without compromising your own morals and beliefs.
• Counselors will be in attendance at the meeting, providing guidance and support through the process.