Only Mum and Dad know the story behind this picture.
Family members have a huge advantage over the recovery services with their waiting lists, lengthy entry procedures and limited resources. We can get them to an online recovery group in minutes!
We need to understand and learn more about addictive behaviour. Families experience so many emotions- fear, anxiety and even anger, it is important to also find out what it is like for our loved ones and understand how difficult recovery is for them. Taking this approach, using our kindness and compassion, helps us see that behaviours make sense. We can learn empathy for the person contolled by substances and stay connected with the person we love.
The only reason we have been able to do this is because we have been to hundreds of recovery meetings ourselves! You can't get this understanding by reading a book. It is now part of our lived experience. Meeting people in recovery is also a huge boost for families, we get just as isolated as they do and can loose hope that recovery is even possible.
Another advantage families have is our understanding of our loved one's personality and values before substance use disorder became a problem. Recovery is not a one size fits all. Some meetings are huge, some small. Religious and spiritual approaches of meetings can vary. Some use out-dated, stigmatizing language, others are more respectful. Some are evidence-based, others not. The format of the meetings and facilitator's style also vary.
When our loved ones find a meeting that works for them, it makes a huge difference to their recovery. Unfortunately if they feel uncomfortable in their first meeting, they are often permanently put off trying another. The same applies to family support meetings. So even if our loved one not currently contemplating recovery, we recommend family members attend and learn more about recovery in it's various forms, this can make a real difference .
Visit Recovery online meetings
Joining our loved ones meetings
We encourage family and friends to attend these groups. You will learn about the challenges faced by people that have overcome their own addictions and are working on their own recovery. Tina and I have always been made very welcome and enjoy visiting open recovery meetings. It gives us the motivation and hope to keep going!
Always be mindful that attending your loved ones meetings may restrict their ability to share openly. We prefer to attend meetings where we know no-one and can maintain confidentiality and impartiality.
Connect with people in recovery
Recovery, ours and theirs, is not a "one size fits all". Dealing with addictive behavour is difficult, but we can it make even more so by reacting in negative ways and not learning to understand why they behave the way they do.
The good news is that people do recover from their substance dependancy. So go and meet them and listen to their journeys . Recovery groups have what they call "open" and "closed" meetings. The open meetings welcome visitors. Find out who is facilitating the meeting and they will check that the rest of the group is happy to have you sit in and listen. Please respect the guidelines of their group, particularly regarding confidentiality.
Open Recovery Group Calendar Links
Harm Reduction Works
HRW Meetings and Related Events
Recovery Dharma
Eight Step Recovery
Eight Step Recovery Meeting
Sundays 6pm London (1pm New York)
SMART Recovery
UK SMART Recovery Online Meetings
USA SMART Recovery Online Meetings
Australia SMART Recovery Online Meetings
LifeRing
Books for our loved ones
Recovery Dharma Handbook
A Buddist inspired approach to recovery
Recovery Dharma (Free)
SMART Recovery Handbook
UK £9.00 + P and P.
USA $11.95 + Shipping.
Australia $39.95 + Shipping.
LifeRing Secular Recovery
Designing your own personal recovery program
The LifeRing Bookstore
Further articles to read
Apps for our loved ones
Quit Weed App
Download the #1 app specifically designed to assist you in your quitting process.
Quit Weed App (Free)
Recovery Websites
Intuitive Recovery
Intuitive Recovery
An accredited abstinence programme that delivers simple and practical tools that you can use anywhere
to be free from drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Commissioned in many local authority areas in the UK, where the
course will be free.
They also have Online Training Options.
Drug Science
Drug Science UK
Drug Science was formed by a committee of scientists with a passionate belief that the pursuit of knowledge should
remain free of all political and commercial interest.
Recovery Research Institute
"At the Recovery Research Institute (RRI), we present the evidence about addiction treatment and recovery."
Guide for Family Members
Recovery 101
Shatterproof
"It's not a moral failing-it's a treatable illness. Get the facts about this misunderstood medical condition".
Addiction 101
Recovery Coach Training
To explore and connect with the UK Recovery Coach Community please visit:
UK Recovery Coach Academy
SMARTRecovery
"SMART stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. This is more than an acronym: it is a transformative
method of moving from addictive substances and negative behaviors to a life of positive self-regard
and willingness to change."
Recovery Dharma
The Recovery Dharma program uses the Buddhist practices of meditation, self-inquiry, wisdom, compassion,
and community as tools for recovery and healing. To find out more, their book is available as a free download.
LifeRing Secular Recovery
LifeRing Secular Recovery is an organization of people who share practical experiences and sobriety support. There are as many ways to live free of drugs and alcohol as there are stories of successful sober people.
Recovery Facebook Groups
USA SMART Recovery Works - Learn How Group
Secular Buddhist Recovery Group
Addiction and Recovery Support (england)
Stigma Free Podcasts
CMC : Center for Motivation and Change (CMC)
Stigma Free Recovery Videos
SMART Recovery USA
Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)(6 minutes)
The opposite of addiction is connection. A TED talk by Johann Hari
Traumatic Stress and Addiction with Dr. Denise Hien
Unconditional other acceptance