Virginia Resources for Families of Individuals in Rehab

Many family members of individuals in rehab feel a mix of emotions—ranging from feeling helpless and anxious to angry and confused. It’s important to acknowledge and process these emotional ups and downs, ensuring you’re taking care of your own mental health. So, how can you do that? What resources are available in Virginia for families of individuals in rehab?

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How to Cope With a Family Member With Drug Addiction

Ultimately, family support throughout the rehab process can improve long-term outcomes and recovery. In many cases, family involvement—such as family therapy and education—can help address any broken trust, fostering connection and understanding. 

However, attending to your own needs is imperative throughout this process. Through educational resources, support groups, counseling, and more, you can ensure you’re able to support your loved one and participate in their rehab process in the best way possible. Below, we explore these in more detail, particularly for Virginia state.

Educational Resources

Many centers, like Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), offer workshops, resources, and more to help family members understand addiction and navigate the challenging aspects of it and recovery. 

Educational sessions often cover topics such as understanding addiction as a disease, recognizing enabling behaviors, establishing healthy boundaries, and effective communication techniques. These workshops are led by addiction specialists who can provide expert guidance and answer questions. Our team can also offer pamphlets, online resources, and videos about addiction, recovery, and family dynamics. These materials can be studied at home and often complement the information provided in workshops.

Overall, educating yourself can ensure you’re involved in the recovery process to the best of your abilities, enabling your loved one’s recovery and healing for everyone.

Additionally, SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) is a great online resource for families coping with mental health or addiction; they have videos, audio files, and articles that can help you gain understanding during this turbulent and difficult time.

Support Groups and Counseling for Families in Virginia

Support groups offer support and connection with others who have been through similar. Some types of groups you may want to consider include:

• Al-Anon & Nar-Anon: These are two of the most widely recognized support groups for families affected by addiction. Al-Anon is specifically designed for families and friends of alcoholics, while Nar-Anon serves those whose loved ones struggle with drug addiction. Both follow a 12-step program structure similar to AA and NA.
• SMART Recovery Family & Friends: This is a science-based alternative to 12-step programs, founded on the principles of SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training). SMART focuses on evidence-based techniques that help family members with developing healthy coping skills, setting healthy boundaries, and communicating effectively with the person struggling with addiction.

Additionally, counseling can equip you with healthy coping strategies. Clinics and private practices (or even options referred to you by the rehab center your loved one is attending) offer you the option to talk one-on-one with a mental health professional. The Virginia Association of Community Services Boards (VACSB) can also assist families in Virginia who have loved ones struggling with addiction in finding counseling and support services in their local area.

Financial & Personal Assistance

Virginia also has options for financial aid and personal assistance, like childcare, temporary housing, and more. In particular, the Child Care Subsidy Program in VA may assist with coverage for childcare expenses. Virginia Medicaid and other assistance programs may also provide some form of coverage for these needs.

Support is Available for the Whole Family

You don’t need to do any of this alone. While many find this journey isolating, it doesn’t have to be. Others are going through very similar situations, and joining a support group can provide you support when you need it the most. Just because you aren’t the one struggling with an addiction doesn’t mean you might not need a helping hand.

At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), we’re here to help. We understand how emotionally draining addiction can be for loved ones and family members. If you have any other questions,  call us at 804-635-3746 or fill out our online form.