Seeking resources for partners of those who have experienced addiction

As a former substance abuse counselor, I can recommend that you investigate some twelve-step programs: Alanon (for those affected by another's addiction,) Adult Children of Alcoholics (for those affected by family dysfunction of any kind,) and Codependents Anonymous (for those struggling with issues of codependency.)

It is my suggestion that you try out one or two of these programs. They all have telephone meetings. Peruse the websites and see if you can relate to any of the literature. Check out the phone meetings and give them a fair shake.

The twelve-step philosophy is not for everyone but it has helped an enormous amount of people. It is a self-help program and is considered spiritual in that it's useful to consider that there is a higher power outside of oneself.

There are a lot of misconceptions about the twelve-step programs. I suggest you try it for yourself.

In the end, it doesn't help to understand your partner's issues. The way we move forward is to understand our own.

Thank you so much, @Patricia Dunn! I totally agree with you about how life-changing these programs can be. I will share your insights with the person I am helping; it may be good for them to hear this perspective in case they have misconceptions as you mentioned.

If there's anything I can do, I'd be happy to help:

Pdunn119@gmail.com

Hello Melissa

I partner with a non profit that has been working in recovery for over 20 years- and we run women’s groups that focus on exactly what you are referring to. If your contact is a female identified, we might be a great fit. Our next group starts Sept, but we have monthly workshops until then if you’d like to share.

https://www.shaktirising.org/h...-emotional-first-aid

Hazelden Betty Ford has excellent online resources, webinars, retreats, etc.  I high recommend it for additonal supports!

Melanie

Hello! This is my work! I started https://risewithrecovery.com after my partner had been in recovery for a couple of years and I wanted to support other loved ones of recovery. I offer coaching, yoga, a course and have The Partners of Recovery Podcast! Feel free to contact me at risewithrecovery@gmail.com

Thanks so much, @Leslie MacNabb, @Melanie Avila, and @Christi Garner! I will pass all of this info along, and save it for later reference if I encounter others looking for similar resources!

There is a YouTube channel called "Put the Shovel Down" hosted by a counselor in Greenville, SC. The videos are short, straightforward, and practical. Many are targeted at the family of someone struggling with addiction and many are targeted at the person themselves. I've listened to many and found her thoughts to be very helpful and insightful.

https://www.youtube.com/channe...PE1v0xFR9zLXOijxM6hg

Hello there,

The Center for Motivation and Change has some incredible resources for partners and family of a person with a substance use disorder. 

https://the20minuteguide.com/

They also train folks across the country in a group model, called CRAFT,  that is for the family and friends of people with addiction.  The model emphasizes self-care for the family and friends while also teaching them that they don't have to withhold love to help their loved one.  Withholding love was the primary tool used for a long time and it's not evidenced-based at all.  These groups essentially teach motivational interviewing skills and around 60% of the people with the substance use disorder seek treatment after their family and friends attend the groups (and the people with the SUD didn't attend the groups!).  Really powerful and really worth checking out and spreading. 

https://cmcffc.org/

Thank you both, too, @Liz Blackwell-Moore and @Andrea D Clements, PhD! Passing these great resources along and saving them to my toolbox as well.