Spouses and partners of those experiencing substance use disorders (SUDs) are especially vulnerable as they are often the ones coping with the negative consequences of their loved ones’ addictions. And they are often responsible for trying to protect their children from such consequences.
As well, those married to or partnered with someone with an SUD may feel they have lost their partner and a key part of their support network. And children and teens are often caught in the middle trying to cope, as are adult children of substance users. Family support groups exist to help with these serious challenges. Read on to learn more about them, the effects of addiction on the family and the benefits of participating in a support group.
What Are Support Groups for Addiction?
Although their role often goes unrecognized, families are the largest group of caregivers to those with SUDs. And they are unpaid for their “services”. But it’s important to know that you are not alone, despite the isolation you may feel. There are supports.
Support groups bring people together with shared experiences and who are facing similar challenges. Groups provide a non-judgmental, safe environment. Spouses and partners can offer support, comfort, compassion and motivation to others facing similar challenges. And this is returned.
People who have “been there” understand and can provide a caring environment where families can speak freely. They often share ways to cope and learn about their loved one’s substance abuse problem. As well they learn about their own needs for support. It can also be a very effective way to find practical, helpful information.
After participating in self-help groups, many feel better about themselves, with reduced self-blame. And they feel more confident navigating the mental health system to find needed help. As well, they have a better ability to deal with stigma and discrimination.
Research indicates that families are powerful resources for enhancing treatment and recovery success. Yet they may not always be included in these processes, especially with at-risk adolescents who have SUDs [1].
Effects of Addiction On the Family
The family is the primary source of attachment, nurturing and socialization for humans. The effects of an SUD in one member are felt by the whole family. The family holds information about how SUDs develop, are maintained, and what can positively or negatively influence the treatment of the disorder.
Treating the individual with an SUD without family involvement may limit the effectiveness of treatment. Doing so ignores the devastating impact of SUDs on the family system but leaves family members untreated. And it does not recognize the family as a potential system of support for change.
Families in which there is a parental SUD have an environment of:
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Negative impacts of parental SUDs on the family include disruption of [2]:
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As a result the effects of an SUD on the family may include [3]:
- Emotional burden: Members may feel anger, frustration, anxiety, fear, worry, depression, shame, guilt, or embarrassment
- Economic burden: May be caused by money spent on substances, or money problems due to job loss or reliance on public assistance
- Relationship distress or dissatisfaction: High rates of tension and conflict related to problems caused by an SUD
- Family instability: Resulting from abuse or violence, family breakup due to separation or divorce, or removal of children from the home by Children and Youth Services
- Effects on the fetus and children: Substance use in pregnancy can cause birth defects and problems in child development leading to many physical and emotional problems in children
- Effects on parents: Mothers with SUD may show less sensitivity and emotional availability to infants. Parents of a child with an SUD may feel guilty, helpless, frustrated, angry or depressed
The Benefits of Involving Family in the Recovery Process
Numerous studies have shown that family involvement in coping with a loved one with an SUD results in significant benefits for both the individual, the family and the healthcare system. These include [4]:
- Decreased rates of hospitalization and relapse
- Enhanced adherence to treatment choices
- Increased rates of successful recovery
- Reduced rates of relapse
- Better mental health
- Less time in hospital
- Decreased involvement with the criminal justice system
- Savings to the mental health and addiction systems
Benefits of Family Support Groups
- Connecting with others in similar situations: Working together alongside others who have had to deal with SUDs in their families can go a long way to alleviating many of the fears, guilt and stresses you may face. It’s actually comforting to hear other people’s stories and learn from each other as well.
- A shoulder to lean on, and cry on: Few can understand your story better than others who are going through similar struggles.
- Learning how to set boundaries and prevent enabling behavior: It’s a fine line between helping and enabling a family member. Learning from others how to best set boundaries can be immensely helpful since it’s hard to do.
- Letting go of anger and resentment: Family members experience a whole range of emotions in dealing with a loved one with an SUD, especially fear, sadness and guilt. But most importantly is built up anger and resentment about your situation. You may direct this at your loved one, leading to endless conflict, another family member you feel is enabling, or most of all, yourself which can lead to depression. A family support group can provide counseling and tools to let these feelings go and work more positively towards a desired outcome.
- Understanding the roots of the addiction and learning about addiction: First, you will benefit by learning as much as possible about addiction and the substances your loved one is using. Next, recognize and learn about what caused the person to develop an SUD. In support groups you can honestly explore this and learn from counselors and other members.
Other helpful benefits include:
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Types of Support Groups for Families of Addicts
SAMHSA provides a range of resources for families here:
Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders
And here are some organizations that are support groups for families. You may find others in your area.
- SMART Recovery Family & Friends: Science-base non-spiritual alternative to AA.
- Al-Anon and Nar-Anon: For families with alcoholics and for families with drug addicts. Based on AA principles using the 12-step model
- Families Anonymous: Based on the 12-step program. Provides support to family members and encourages self-care
- Co-Anon: Caters to families and friends of those with cocaine addiction. Based on the 12-step model.
- PAL (Parents of Addicted Loved Ones): A faith-based group mainly for parents of addicts.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families (ACA/ACDF): Supports those who grew up in dysfunctional homes or homes affected by addiction
- Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA): Supports families of those with both substance use and mental health issues.
- Grasp (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing): A support group for those who have lost a member or relative to addiction. A safe place to express grief and share support.
Addiction Recovery in Michigan
Rushton Recovery understands the complex nature of drug & alcohol recovery. We prioritize your well-being, safety, and comfort during treatment. Our detox and residential treatment center in Michigan offers a healing space to embark on your journey toward sobriety.
We offer evidence-based therapies designed to evolve with your individual needs and address the root of your substance abuse. Let our team help you get clean, repair relationships, and equip you with the skills to achieve long-term recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Hogue A, et al. 2021. Family involvement in treatment and recovery for substance use disorders among transition-age youth: Research bedrocks and opportunities. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2021 Oct;129:108402
[2] Lander L. et al. 2013. The impact of substance use disorders on families and children: from theory to practice. Soc Work Public Health. 2013;28(3-4):194-205
[3] Daley DC. Family and social aspects of substance use disorders and treatment. J Food Drug Anal. 2013 Dec;21(4):S73-S76.
[4] Caring together: Families as partners in the mental health and addiction system. 2006. Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and Family Mental Health Alliance (FMHA).
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA). 2024. Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders.