Family Programs and Support

When you have a family member who struggles with addiction—whether they’re in denial about it, in a treatment program or well into recovery—it’s really hard to take the focus off of the addict and begin to focus, instead, on your own behaviors. But that’s exactly what needs to happen in order for you and your loved ones to move forward. Our services for families provide you with the insight, tools and support to do just that. 
Family walking in the woods

Coping with Addiction: Programs, Counseling and Support Groups for Your Family

Family members are profoundly affected when a loved one becomes addicted to alcohol or another drug.  In fact, by the time most people reach out to a counselor, healthcare provider or addiction treatment center for help with a family member’s substance abuse, the situation has typically progressed to a crisis level.

Hazelden Betty Ford provides treatment for alcohol and drug addiction (known medically as substance use disorder) as well as help and support for your whole family—including spouses, parents, caregivers, siblings and children.

Family care and support are an essential part of Hazelden Betty Ford’s healing mission because addiction takes a heavy toll on all family members and everyone in your family needs help to cope and heal. Our family programs and resources are available to you, regardless of whether your loved one with drug addiction seeks treatment.

Here are several important and readily available resources to help you cope with addiction in your family.

Orientation Group

Orientation group is the perfect place to get started when you're new to Hazelden Betty Ford and need to understand what services are available to you, whether your loved one is in treatment or not. Offered weekdays from 1-2 p.m. CST. Click at the time of the meeting to join.

Core Education: An Introduction to Family Impact

Delivered in a virtual format, this three-hour program is available free of charge to anyone concerned about a loved one's drug or alcohol use, no matter where you live. Whether your loved one is in active addiction, seeking treatment for substance abuse or in recovery from drug abuse, you and your family members can benefit from this program, which involves:

  • An introduction to the impact mental health and addiction has on families
  • Peer feedback and support
  • Emphasis on coping skills
  • Q&A time with Family Program counselors

Here are links to learn more and register (individual registration is required for each attendee):

On-Site Immersive Family Workshop

Hazelden Betty Ford's one-day, in-person family program held in Plymouth, MN and Rancho Mirage, CA, was created to serve family members who have loved ones in substance use treatment. This immersive experience builds connections between family members, provides an opportunity to hear about the treatment and recovery process from patients, and creates space to learn and practice evidence-based skills to improve communication with loves ones. 

Healthy Relationship Workshops

Delivered virtually, these four, consecutive, 90-minute workshops were designed to teach skills to support families asking, "What do I do?" No matter where you are on your journey, whether your loved one is in treatment or not, you will benefit from each workshop. You will learn from evidence informed curriculum how to set boundaries, communicate more effectively with your loved one, what your role is, and how to support your loved one.

Connection™ for Families

Via web or phone-based support, our licensed, trained professionals will guide your family in rebuilding trust and healing from the damaging effects of drug addiction. Through Hazelden Betty Ford's Connection™ for Families services, you (as a parent, spouse, sibling and other family member) will receive recovery insight and support, regardless of whether your loved one with addiction seeks treatment or gets sober.

Weekly Virtual Family Support Groups

Hazelden Betty Ford brings family support groups directly to you—for free. Join our weekly online support group sessions featuring a rotating series of family-focused topics and addiction recovery-related discussions.

Native American Family Program

The program is facilitated by Native American counselors for Native American families. Facilitators will apply culturally relevant tools and resources for participants in this full-day offering, focusing on family structure and education for family members with a loved one struggling with substance use. Register online.

Family and Couples Therapy

Family and couples therapy can help address communication and other relationship dynamics between partners and other family members. Services are provided by our expert mental health professionals

Children's Program

With both in-person and virtual options, the Children's Program can help children learn self-care skills and how to make healthy choices when their care giver struggles with addiction. 

More Resources for You

Not ready or able to participate in our Family Program at this time? You've already taken the most important step by looking for help and answers about addiction and recovery. And you've come to the right place. Here are a number of helpful family resources for you and your loved ones. We also offer free, weekly workshops and support groups for families at several of our addiction treatment locations. Not sure which programs or services make sense for you? Call today to speak confidentially with one of our recovery experts.

Reach out today. We’re here for you and your family. 
Call 1-877-279-3824 today to learn more about the Family Program and to register.