At CARES, we recognize that when someone you love is struggling with addiction, the ripple effects are felt throughout your family—including parents, spouses, siblings, children and friends. Our mission is to offer healing, education and community for those who care deeply for someone navigating addiction.
In recent years, online support groups have become a meaningful complement (and, in many cases, a primary option) for family members of those with substance use disorders. Below we explore what online groups look like, why they matter, how to choose a good one—and how you can get the most out of them as part of your caregiving journey.
What are online support groups—and how do they apply to families of addicts?
An online support group is a gathering of individuals who share a common experience—in this case, the experience of loving or supporting someone with addiction—and who meet virtually (via video, chat, forum, or other digital platform) to share, listen, learn, and support one another.
For families of addicts, these online groups provide a space to:
- Share your story and hear the stories of others who are also supporting someone with a substance use disorder—seeing you’re not alone.
- Learn coping tools and strategies: How to set healthy boundaries, how to recognize enabling vs. helpful support, how to manage your own emotional well-being.
- Stay connected even when you are physically far from in-person groups—or when your schedule, location, or responsibilities (work, caregiving, distance) make in-person attendance difficult.
- Access resources anytime: Many online groups have searchable archives, message boards, chat rooms, or scheduled meetings you can join.
Because at CARES we already host weekly discussions and livestreams for caregivers, offering education, community, and expert speakers, online support groups can be a valuable supplement for those who cannot attend in-person or who want additional connection between sessions.
Why online support groups matter for families of addicts
Here are some of the key benefits—and some cautions—to keep in mind.
Benefits
- Accessibility & flexibility: Online groups remove geographic barriers. If you live in a rural area, care for children, have limited mobility or erratic schedule, an online option allows you to connect.
- Anonymity and comfort: For some family members, the stigma of addiction (or the fear of judgment) can make it hard to go in person. Online meetings (especially chat or forum-based) may feel safer and more comfortable to open up.
- Broader community: You may encounter people from different backgrounds, regions, and experiences—giving you more perspectives, ideas, and solidarity.
- Easy to combine with in-person efforts: Online support can be a bridge—between in-person meetings, between times when you can attend a local group, or when you just need something in the moment. Many experts recommend using both.
Cautions & things to watch
- Less personal connection: Online interactions may lack the same level of personal, face-to-face cues, which can reduce the feeling of connection for some people.
- Miscommunication risks: Without in-person cues (tone, body language) misunderstandings can happen more easily in chat forums or message boards.
- Quality and moderation vary: Some online groups may have less oversight, less structured facilitation, or fewer resources. It’s important to check for credibility.
- Overreliance risk: While online groups are valuable, they don’t replace professional therapy or local community support completely. They’re part of a broader care-ecosystem.
How to choose a good online support group for your situation
Given the many options out there, how do you pick a group that works for you? Here are some criteria to consider:
A. Fit & focus
- Does the group specifically cater to family members/caregivers (not just the person with addiction)? For example, groups oriented toward parents, spouses, siblings of someone with a substance use disorder.
- Is the content relevant to your role (parent, spouse, friend, child) and your concerns (enabling, boundaries, burnout, coping, self-care)?
- Does the group have a clearly stated mission, topics, schedule, and facilitation?
Format & accessibility
- What is the meeting format: live video, phone-in, chat board, forum?
- What times are the meetings held? Are there multiple time-zones or flexible options?
- Is access easy (no overly complex sign-up, no high fees)? Are there recordings or archives available if you can’t attend live?
- Is the platform secure and respectful of confidentiality?
Leadership & quality
- Is the group facilitated by someone trained, or at least experienced in supporting families of addiction (peer facilitator, professional, recovering family member)?
- Is there moderation and guidelines to ensure safety, respect, non-judgmental space?
- Are there additional resources provided: reading materials, guest speakers, topics, worksheets? For example, at CARES we feature speakers with professional or lived experience.
Outcomes & connection
- Does the group help you feel less isolated? Do you come away with something practical to apply?
- Is there a sense of continuity—regular meetings, membership, opportunities to build relationships?
- If something doesn’t feel like a good fit, are you able to try a different group?
How to get the most out of an online support group
Joining is one thing—getting value from it is another. Here are actionable tips:
Set your intention
Why are you joining the group? Maybe you want to feel less alone, learn how to set boundaries, find self-care strategies, or connect with others who “get it.” Having a clear goal helps you engage intentionally.
Commit to attending regularly
Even if it’s just once every few weeks, consistent attendance helps you build familiarity with the group, feel seen, and derive longer-term benefit.
If your schedule is limited, pick one meeting time and treat it like an appointment.
Engage with openness
- Be willing to share something about your experience—what’s working, what’s not.
- Listen actively to others. You might find insights or perspectives you hadn’t considered.
- Ask questions: “How did you handle this boundary?” “What helped you avoid burnout?”
Use the content outside the group
Online groups often provide resources—worksheets, reading lists, recommended practices. Take something from each meeting that you can apply in your real life (e.g., one new coping strategy, one boundary you’ll try setting).
For example, one of the benefits of group support is that it helps you learn coping skills and feel empowered.
Monitor your own well-being
Keep track of how the online group is affecting you:
- Are you feeling more supported, less isolated?
- Are you gaining practical strategies you can use?
- Or are you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or triggered by the group content?
- If the latter, it may help to talk with a mental health professional and adjust your support plan.
Combine with other resources
Online groups are a powerful tool—but not necessarily the only one you need. Combine them with:
- In-person meetings (if possible)
- Professional help (therapy, counseling)
- Self-care practices (sleep, boundaries, nutrition, exercise)
- Educational resources (books, webinars, workshops)
- At CARES, our weekly expert-led discussions complement peer support.
How CARES can support you and how online support fits in
Here at CARES we are dedicated to families impacted by addiction. Our key offerings include:
- Weekly discussions for family members/caregivers of those with addiction, featuring expert speakers and personal narratives.
- A supportive community where caregivers find belonging, not just obligation.
- Educational resources and a safe space for you to learn, share and connect.
How online support groups fit in for you:
- If you cannot physically attend our Monday sessions (due to distance, schedule, caregiving, travel), you may consider joining an online meeting in parallel—so you maintain connection and continuity.
- Between our weekly sessions you might use an online group to stay plugged in, get “check-ins,” and share more frequently.
- When you’re exploring your feelings, coping mechanisms, or handling burnout, an online group may offer a lower-threshold way to connect and share (especially if you’re still feeling tentative about attending in-person).
- You might find that online groups give you additional times and formats (chat, forum, video) that suit your preference while CARES offers the local/community in-person or livestream dynamic.
Practical next steps if you’re ready
- Check out CARES’ website and see when our next session is, whether you can join in-person or via livestream.
- Research 1–2 online support groups that cater to family members/caregivers of addiction (for example: the “Online Support Meetings” listing from DrugFree.org for parents & caregivers).
- Pick one meeting to attend this week. Give yourself permission to just “sit and listen” if you prefer, then decide how you feel.
- Before the meeting, write down one question or one thing you’d like to get out of it (e.g., “How do others maintain hope when the loved one keeps relapsing?”).
- After the meeting, reflect: What felt helpful? What didn’t? Did you feel more supported or less alone?
- Use that reflection to guide whether you’ll continue that group, try a different one, or adjust your support mix (online + in-person + professional).
- Remember: You deserve support. Your needs matter. Your caregiving journey is hard—and you don’t have to walk it alone.
How CARES Can Help
Supporting a loved one with addiction isn’t a journey you take only on their behalf—it’s also a journey of your own. Finding rest for yourself, building community, learning healthy ways to cope, and protecting your well-being are essential parts of the equation.
Online support groups are not a magic bullet—but they are a powerful tool in your caregiving toolkit. When paired with community, education and self-care (all of which CARES is committed to), they can help you feel less isolated, more empowered, and more grounded.
If you ever feel unsure about which group to try—or need someone to talk with about your caregiving role—please reach out. At CARES, you’re welcome here. You don’t have to do this alone.