STUDY GUIDE
Unfortunately resources for parents of addicted persons are fairly scarce. It can feel like you are completely alone with this kind of suffering. But you are not alone. Every addict has parents. If there are lots of addicts that means that there are lots of parents of addicts as well. This study guide by Kaye Schneider uses the materials on this page and can provide the basis for a 7 week study group. We encourage you to consider sharing the journey! The Study Guide is available for free and can be downloaded here
VIDEOS
- Part 1: What it Feels Like [7 min.]
- Part 2: What Doesn’t Help [7.5 min.]
- Part 3: What Helps [11.5 min.]
- Top 10 Things Parents Need to Know — Teresa McBean [27 min.]
- What I Learned While Our Son Was Still Using Drugs. — Juanita Ryan [31 min.]
ARTICLES
- Kids Bad Decisions Do Not Mean We Are Bad Parents – Norma Bourland
- What I Learned When Our Son Was Still Using Drugs – Juanita Ryan
WEB SITES
- Family Resource Center. Really great resources here.
- Continuing Care: A Parent’s Guide to Your Teen’s Recovery from Substance Abuse
Finding a Support Group
- Families Anonymous
- Al-Anon – alcohol
- Codependents Anonymous
- Co-Anon Family Groups – cocaine addiction
- Nar-Anon Family Groups
- S-Anon International Family Groups – sex addiction
- Codependents of Sex Addicts – sex addiction
- gam-anon – gambling
There are also a variety of explicitly Christian support groups that welcome loved ones of addicts. Two of the largest of these networks are:
There are also many support groups for parents which have a local or regional scope or which are associated with substance abuse treatment centers. You might want to consider contacting treatment centers in your area. These can be located by going to the National Drug and Treatment Referral Service or by calling 1-800-662-HELP. Some examples:
- Parent and Family Support Groups. Affiliated with Caron Treatment Centers but open to all.
- Learn To Cope. Boston area. For parents of opiate addicts.
- Hazelden Betty Ford Family Program
- Pal-Group Arizona and Indiana
There are also plenty of on-line support groups for parents. For example:
- The Addicts Mom
- Daily Strength
- Sober Recovery Several forums.
- InTheRooms Requires signup (free).
Treatment for Parents (and other family members)
Some substance abuse treatment centers offer intensive out-patient treatment programs for parents and family members. These programs can be helpful even if your loved one is not yet ready to accept treatment. One of the best known of these programs is:
- The Family Program at the Hazelden Betty Ford Center.
Finding a treatment program for your child
A national database of treatment programs is available here. Clink on your state. On the next page, enter location and click on “Select Services” (not “Search”). On the next page, scroll down to find “Special Programs/Groups Offered” and mark “Adolescents” as “required” — check other characteristics if desired and then click on “Search”.
Finding educational options for your child
You might want to consider looking for a high school/college/university that has invested in a Collegiate Recovery Community. Here are some places to start your search:
For College/University options see:
For high school options see: