Support & Healing for Families Affected by Addiction

Expert conversations, practical guidance + support for families affected by addiction.

CARES provides trusted education, expert conversations, and practical resources for families and caregivers navigating a loved one’s addiction. Through the CARES Podcast, live community conversations, and family-focused resources, we help loved ones better understand addiction, find support, and take meaningful next steps. Based near Austin, TX, CARES is a volunteer-driven initiative centered on connection, clarity, healing, and hope for families affected by substance use.

Join Our Community

CARES conversations are designed to give families practical guidance, trusted education, and meaningful support as they navigate a loved one’s addiction.

Family Addiction Support: Monthly Groups + Podcast

Expert Conversations, Practical Support & Community

Addiction and substance use disorder affect the entire family. CARES provides family addiction support, expert education, and trusted recovery resources for parents, spouses, caregivers, and loved ones navigating someone else’s substance use.

Through the CARES Podcast and live community conversations, families hear from addiction professionals, treatment providers, recovery experts, and people with lived experience on topics like relapse, intervention, boundaries, treatment, and recovery.

Based near Austin, TX, CARES supports families in Lakeway, Bee Cave, Spicewood, and the Texas Hill Country.

Voices of CARES

This group has been a lifeline. Living with a family member with both addiction and depression was isolating. Here, I found people who understand their battles. Their support gave me the courage to stay consistent, and believe in my family’s recovery.

Sam Grund,

Speaker

Living with someone in addiction was chaotic and heartbreaking. This group didn’t just offer me support—they gave me clarity. I’ve learned that I need recovery too, and that it’s okay to take care of myself.

Russ Smith,

Speaker

The group became a lifeline when I was drowning in fear and guilt. I used to think I had to fix everything. Now I know I can support my son best by staying grounded, informed, and connected with people who’ve been there too

Tiffany Anschutz, 

Speaker

As a father watching my son struggle, I felt helpless. This group offered me guidance and empathy. It taught me how to support my son without enabling, and how to care for myself too. I’m forever grateful.

Drew Dutton,

Speaker

What does CARES stand for

CARES stands for Communities and Relatives Empowered for Support. Taking care of someone who is struggling with addiction can be a challenging struggle. We believe in helping with burnout that often impacts caregivers and providing resources within our community for those who need support.

When someone you love is struggling with addiction, it can feel confusing, exhausting, and isolating. You may not know what to say, where to turn, or how to help without losing yourself in the process. CARES was created for families and caregivers in that very place. Through weekly expert-led conversations, practical resources, and a supportive community, CARES offers guidance that feels both compassionate and clear. This is a space where questions are welcomed, where learning replaces shame, and where connection replaces isolation. As a volunteer-driven initiative serving families near Austin, TX, CARES exists to bring healing, education, and hope to those walking alongside someone impacted by addiction.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.

See CARES in Action near Austin, TX

Watch a preview from a CARES event and get a feel for the conversations we create for families navigating addiction. Our monthly support gatherings feature expert-led discussions, practical guidance, and real-world insight. You can also listen to the CARES Podcast and watch select conversations on our YouTube channel.

A Community of Support

The program not only provides essential resources but also cultivates a supportive network of like-minded individuals, all of whom are on a shared journey toward healing. It serves as one of the area’s compassionate support groups near Austin, designed to help caregivers manage the emotional toll of supporting a loved one in recovery. CARES aims to ease feelings of burnout by offering a safe space to learn, share, and connect.

Man Asking Question At Neighborhood Meeting In Community Center

Engaging Speakers & Topics

Portrait of a smiling and attentive mature female doctor is listening to her clients mental and marriage problems in her office while taking notes. Psychotherapy consultation. Copy space.

Conversations That Matter

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Community Understanding & Support

Who We Help

We understand that addiction affects more than just the person struggling; it touches everyone in their support system, which is why we connect families with support groups near Austin.

What Makes Cares Different: Support Groups for Families of Addicts

CARES is a volunteer-led program that provides healing, education, and support to families affected by addiction. Unlike some peer-led support groups where participants share their personal stories, CARES features speakers who are professionals. These experts have either studied addiction, authored books on the topic, or have personally triumphed over the challenges faced by caregivers in similar situations. Our speakers also provide direct resources based on their expertise, ensuring continuing aid and support after the talk ends. CARES is where people who love and protect can come to feel loved and protected.

Speakers With Experience

Participants will have the opportunity to listen to experienced speakers in person who professionally address addiction challenges or who have triumphed over their own struggles. This unique perspective ensures that attendees receive credible insights rather than just anecdotal stories. Each Monthly event near Austin, TX is accompanied by curated resources, allowing caregivers to delve deeper into the topics discussed and gain practical tools to empower their caregiving journey.

What We Offer

Strong Community

CARES fosters a strong sense of community among participants connected with like-minded individuals

Knowledgeable Experts

Our weekly discussions are led by experts specifically designed for individuals who are caregivers of those experiencing addiction.

Engaging Content

We offer a diverse lineup of speakers, including both personal narratives and professional insights.

Volunteer-driven

Our volunteer-driven initiative focuses on healing, education, and support for families affected by addiction.

Essential Resources

The CARES program provides essential resources to families and communities affected by addiction.

Safe Spaces

Our program offers people affected by addiction a safe space to learn, share, and connect.

See Why CARES Conversations Matter

The overarching mission of CARES is to create an environment where “those who love and protect can feel love and protection.” Each gathering is a step towards helping caregivers find clarity and confidence in their roles, equipping them with the knowledge to navigate the recovery landscape without the burden of doubt.

Welcome Home, We’re Here For You

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