Another Chance recognizes the importance of holistic care and community support when it comes to recovering from substance and alcohol use disorders. Substance use disorders not only impact the individual struggling with addiction but also affect their family members and loved ones.
We have created the Loved One’s Education and Support Group for patients and their loved ones to attend. This group is designed to provide essential support and education to families and friends, helping them navigate the complexities of addiction and recovery.
The group is held in a cohort structure, allowing clients' loved ones to develop a sense of community similar to how our clients develop community while engaged in our treatment services. This structure is essential for fostering a support network that can provide ongoing encouragement and understanding.
Groups are held every Tuesday evening at 5:00 PM for a 12-week period. During these sessions, family members and friends of individuals in recovery can share their experiences, challenges, and successes, building a network of support that extends beyond the treatment center.
Our primary goal is to center the importance of cultivating belonging, acceptance, and understanding for those who are working hard towards their goal of recovery from substances and alcohol. By creating a supportive environment, we aim to alleviate the isolation and stigma often associated with addiction. The Loved One’s Education and Support Group serves several key purposes:
Providing family members and friends with the knowledge they need to understand substance use disorders and the recovery process. This includes information about the nature of addiction, the impact on mental health, and the various stages of recovery.
Offering emotional support to those affected by a loved one’s addiction. This is achieved through open discussions, sharing of experiences, and professional guidance from our experienced facilitators.
Encouraging the formation of a supportive community among the participants. This community can provide ongoing support and friendship, which are crucial for long-term recovery.
Introducing participants to various resources and support groups such as Families Anonymous, Al-Anon, and SMART Recovery Family & Friends. These resources can offer additional support and tools for managing the challenges of having a loved one who struggles with addiction.
Supporting a loved one through recovery can be challenging and emotionally taxing. Family members and friends often experience a range of emotions, including frustration, guilt, sadness, and hope. It is essential for them to have a space where they can express these feelings and receive support. Research has shown that involving family in the recovery process can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders. Family support helps to create a stable and nurturing environment, which is crucial for long-term recovery.
Our support group meetings are carefully structured to maximize the benefits for all participants. Here's what the family curriculum includes.
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In the first week, the group will get acquainted through ice-breaker activities, creating a friendly and comfortable environment. Essential resources, including a group pamphlet, cohort schedule, and counselor contact details, will be distributed to ensure everyone is well-informed and supported. The introduction to the science of addiction will provide psychoeducational materials to enhance understanding, followed by a processing session to discuss and digest the information shared.
Week two continues with the curriculum on the science of addiction, offering a deeper dive into the subject. Group members will receive additional psychoeducational materials to further their knowledge. A processing session will allow participants to reflect on the insights gained and discuss their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment.
This week focuses on understanding the Transtheoretical Model of the Stages of Change. Group members will engage in activities to identify their own stages of change, fostering personal insight and growth. A processing session will provide a space to discuss these activities and explore their significance in the context of addiction recovery.
In week four, the introduction to Post Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS) will be covered. Group members will share their Stages of Change activities during check-in, enhancing peer support and understanding. Psychoeducational materials will be provided, and a processing session with loved ones will allow for shared reflection on how the new knowledge resonates and can be applied in their lives.
The fifth week continues the curriculum on PAWS, focusing on understanding the symptoms. Group members will receive psychoeducational materials and engage in a processing session to explore how PAWS may impact them and their relationships with clients. This discussion will help them develop coping strategies and enhance their support systems.
Week six introduces Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. Group members will be provided with psychoeducational materials and will begin developing DBT skills to support themselves and their loved ones. The session includes role-playing scenarios to practice newly learned skills, followed by a processing session to reflect on the experience and identify the most beneficial skills.
This week focuses on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills. Group members will receive psychoeducational materials and start developing CBT skills to aid themselves and their loved ones. Role-playing scenarios will provide an opportunity to practice these skills, and a processing session will allow members to reflect on their experiences and progress.
The eighth week covers an introduction to Dual Diagnosis, providing materials to help understand its impacts and coping strategies. Group members will learn about dual diagnosis, its effects, and practical coping skills to use with their loved ones or for themselves. A processing session with clients will facilitate shared learning and reflection.
Week nine delves into the connection between trauma and addiction. Group members will be provided with psychoeducational materials and will begin to understand the relationship between trauma and addiction, as well as risk and protective factors. A processing session will allow for in-depth discussions and personal insights.
This week explores grief, shame, acceptance, and forgiveness related to the impact of Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Group members will receive psychoeducational materials and additional resources and support groups. They will engage in a writing activity to process these emotions and work towards self-acceptance and forgiveness, followed by a processing session with clients.
In the final week, the focus is on setting and maintaining healthy boundaries. Group members will explore enabling behaviors, their intentions, and begin identifying healthy boundaries to support their relationships and well-being. The "Boundary Stop Light" activity will help them understand their hard boundaries, flexible boundaries, and standards for healthy relationships, culminating in a processing session to discuss their experiences and insights.
Open a new door of possibilities and let our experienced recovery team work with you. We all deserve Another Chance.
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