When a parent struggles with substance use, the confusion and hurt can feel isolating. But you’re not figuring this out alone. Support groups designed specifically for children of addicted parents do exist, and they come in different forms depending on what feels right for you.
You might start with the Children page at CARES to map out what support can look like when someone in your family is dealing with addiction. Or browse the Resources library at CARES to hear clinicians and peers explain skills in plain language before you commit to showing up anywhere. Both are great starting points.
Support doesn’t have to mean sitting in a circle and sharing your story out loud. Some young people prefer that kind of peer group with a trained facilitator. Others feel safer watching expert talks first, learning tools they can use right away, and participating later if at all. There’s no single right way to get support, and that’s actually the point.
What Support Looks Like for Children of Addicted Parents
Youth peer groups. Alateen (the teen-focused arm of Al-Anon Family Groups) offers meetings for people roughly ages 13 to 18 whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. Many meetings happen online now, which can help if getting to a physical location feels complicated. Age policies vary by location, so check the details for your area on the Teen Corner at Al-Anon.
Expert-led learning spaces. If you’d rather listen first and talk later (or never), the Monday speaker series at CARES might be a better fit. These sessions teach communication tools, boundary scripts, and self-care strategies in a hybrid format. You can join from anywhere via livestream, or attend in person if you’re in the Austin area.
On-demand videos and resources. Maybe you want to start completely privately. That makes sense. The Resources library collects past talks at CARES, plus the books, frameworks, and worksheets speakers reference during sessions. You can click through at your own pace, rewind when you need to, and take notes without anyone watching.
National organizations with teen resources. The National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) publishes explainers and coping tools aimed at teenagers and young adults. Their Just 4 Teens section at NACoA breaks down what addiction looks like in families and how to handle some of the harder feelings that come with it. Use these alongside local supports, not instead of them.
What Happens in a Youth Group
A good group focuses on safety first. You choose how much to share, and confidentiality rules should be clear from the start. The focus is on practical skills rather than shame: naming feelings without judgment, setting limits with family members, planning ahead for situations that trigger old patterns.
Most groups let you listen first. Some offer livestream options so you can join without leaving your room. If a group requires in-person attendance, they’ll tell you up front. Cost is often low or free. If money is a barrier, ask about scholarships or sliding scale fees. Nobody should be turned away because they can’t pay.
Adult involvement varies by organization. Some teen groups have adult facilitators present. Others operate more like peer support with periodic check-ins. If you’re under 18, some programs require parental consent. Others work with school counselors to help you navigate permissions. Ask these questions before you commit to showing up.
If you’re a Caregiver Trying to Help
Many teenagers (and adult children) carry responsibilities that were never supposed to be theirs. If you’re a parent, grandparent, or other caring adult trying to support a young person in this situation, learning a few specific communication skills can make a real difference.
The Invitation to Change approach at CARES blends motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral techniques, and CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) to teach conversations that lower defensiveness and build motivation without shaming anyone. It’s not therapy, exactly. It’s a framework for handling hard conversations when someone you love is resistant to change.
You could pair those skills with videos from the Resources library and practice one conversation starter this week. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s reducing the number of interactions that end in a slammed door or total silence.
If you’re near Austin, the Areas We Serve page at CARES explains in-person options. Otherwise, join via livestream from wherever you are.
Safety and Crisis Support
If you need immediate emotional support, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available around the clock by phone, text, or chat. It’s for anyone in emotional distress, including concerns related to substance use. You don’t have to be suicidal to call. Emotional crisis is enough.
For treatment referrals or general information about substance use and mental health services, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). The service is free, confidential, and operates 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these groups count as therapy?
Some do, but most of what CARES offers is psychoeducation rather than psychotherapy. You’re learning skills from experts and peers, not processing trauma with a licensed clinician (although many people do both). These sessions can help you figure out whether formal therapy is a good next step. Sample a few recorded talks first to see if the style fits.
I’m under 18. Can I join without a parent knowing?
It depends. Alateen groups set their own age ranges and supervision policies, usually for legal and safety reasons. A school counselor or another trusted adult can help you understand what’s required where you live. Some organizations work with schools to make participation easier for teens whose parents aren’t able or willing to help.
What if my parent’s issue isn’t alcohol?
Many youth supports welcome anyone affected by a family member’s substance use, not just alcohol. NACoA’s teen resources speak broadly to living with addiction in the family. If a specific group only mentions alcohol, ask directly whether they’re open to people dealing with other substances. Most are.
I’m an adult child. Are these still relevant for me?
Yes. The impact of growing up with addiction doesn’t stop at 18. Many adult children prefer expert-led spaces where they can learn boundary skills and process grief at their own pace without the pressure of a traditional group format. The CARES talks (live or recorded) were designed with adult children in mind. Start with the Children page for an overview.
How do I join CARES if I’m not in Texas?
Most Monday sessions stream live, and recordings are posted afterward. You can watch from anywhere. Check the speaker schedule for upcoming topics and the Resources library for older videos. If you ever make it to Austin, you can attend in person, but it’s not required.
How can I help a teenager who won’t talk about what’s happening?
Model calm curiosity and offer small choices instead of big demands. The Invitation to Change approach teaches specific scripts that lower defensiveness. Try one skill this week and see what happens. Sometimes the answer is “not today,” and that’s still progress if it keeps the door open.