Having a family member affected by addiction is common. Despite this, it is something that many people don’t talk about. The mental health challenges that can arise from being a family member of someone with a substance use disorder, like stress and depression, often thrive in isolation. That’s where we come in. Caregivers and Relatives Empowered for Support (CARES) offers meetings for family members of addicts, among a wide variety of additional resources.
CARES Offers Meetings For Family Members of Addicts
CARES is a volunteer-led program serving relatives and caregivers of persons with substance use disorders. CARES offers meetings for family members of addicts. You can join us every Monday in Austin, Texas, to listen to speakers, build community, and find real recovery resources.
Speaker Schedule
Rather than those who are actively struggling, our speakers are professionals and people who have overcome many of the challenges you might be going through as a family member or caregiver of a person affected by addiction. They cover diverse topics, from self-compassion to shame and stigma to posttraumatic growth, just to name a few examples.
We’re always adding new events. You can view our speaker schedule or click on the resources offered by speakers here.
Invitation to Change
The invitation to change (ITC) program is not a peer support program nor a type of therapy. Although those resources can be crucial, ITC offers something unique. It’s not a support group, nor a psychotherapy method. The ITC program is a compassionate, science-based approach designed to help loved ones support someone affected by substance use disorders and other problematic behaviors. It combines elements of evidence-based therapies, such as:
- Motivational Interviewing (MI).
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
- Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT).
ITC helps family members and friends facilitate positive change. It emphasizes self-care, practical skills, and positive communication, among other key components. Rather than rigid rules or ultimatums, ITC focuses on flexibility and kindness.
Contact CARES for Meetings for Family Members of Addicts and Additional Recovery Resources
Located in Austin, CARES aims to serve as a nationwide resource for caregivers and loved ones of those affected by substance use disorders. We know what you’re going through and are here to love and protect those who do it for the people around them. Contact CARES for meetings for family members of addicts and additional recovery resources today at (512) 232-3532.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are family members of addicts affected?
Family members of addicts can experience a variety of unfavorable effects. These include, but are not limited to, interpersonal problems, impaired psychological functioning, an increased prevalence of domestic violence and illness, and behavior problems in children. Other challenges, like financial problems associated with a loved one’s substance abuse, can also occur.
Are there support groups for family members of addicts?
Yes. In addition to our regular weekly meetings, there are a variety of support groups open to family members of addicts. Some of the most popular include:
Al-Anon Family Groups: Al-Anon Family Groups are a resource and 12-step program for family members and friends of people with alcohol addiction.
Alateen: Alateen groups are open to teens affected by someone else’s alcoholism. Ages welcomed vary by meeting (e.g., 12-19, 13-18).
Nar-Anon Family Groups: Nar-Anon Family Groups are a resource and 12-step program for family members and friends of people with drug addiction.
Narateen: Narateen groups are open to teens affected by someone else’s drug addiction. Like Alateen, ages welcomed vary by meeting.
SMART Family & Friends: Run by trained facilitators, SMART Family & Friends Groups are designed for loved ones of those struggling with addiction and related problematic behaviors (e.g., gambling).
Families Anonymous: Families Anonymous is a 12-step fellowship for family members and friends of those with a current, suspected, or former problem with drugs, alcohol, or related behavioral issues.
Adult Children of Alcoholics: Adult Children of Alcoholics is a 12-step program focused on emotional sobriety, geared toward those recovering from the impacts of being raised in alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional families.
All of these groups are free, with online and in-person meeting options available, depending on where you live.
How many families are impacted by addiction?
It’s important that family members affected by addiction know that they’re not alone. Over a quarter of families in the United States are impacted by addiction. Statistics highlight just how common it is. One in four children under age 18 has a parent with a substance use disorder as of 2023. Additionally, 17.1 percent of the United States population over the age of 12 had a substance use disorder in the past year as of 2023.
How does burnout affect family members of addicts?
Many family members of people with substance use disorders fill a caregiver role. Feelings of anxiety, depression, and fear are also common in family members of addicts. You may face various repercussions related to addiction, such as financial strain, impaired trust, or challenges connected to legal problems affecting your loved one. All of these things can contribute to burnout, which has been known to negatively affect mental and physical well-being.
How does codependency affect family members of addicts?
Codependency is an issue some loved ones of those with substance use disorders face. When it does, it can be hard for families affected by addiction to overcome. It can affect family members of addicts in various ways, such as loss of identity, poor boundaries, and emotional exhaustion. It is not healthy for family members, and it is not good for the person affected by addiction, either. Seeking support through CARES can help you overcome the challenges you face as the loved one of a person with addiction, whether it’s codependency or something else.