Hope for Troubled Families

Substance abuse, substance dependence, and addiction are pervasive problems in today’s society. Many people turn to drugs (including alcohol) as a way of coping with the daily stresses of modern life, the challenges of family pressures, and other personal issues. Young people are especially vulnerable to this problem as they attempt to fit themselves into today’s culture.

The excessive use of drugs—and the behavioral problems related to it—can wreak havoc on the life of the abuser. Over time, it can also devastate and destroy the abuser’s relationships with family members, friends, coworkers, and any others drawn into his or her problems.

Relationships among various family members can also be affected significantly, as they struggle desperately to help the abuser but disagree on how to go about doing so. As they seek ways out of the overwhelmingly negative situations in which they find themselves, they typically focus on “fixing” their addicted loved ones. However, they are often unaware of how their own patterns of thoughts and actions may be contributing to the problem. This is where Families Anonymous can help!

Families Anonymous (FA) is a self-help support group for families and friends of people with a current, suspected, or former drug problem. The fellowship, founded in 1971, is based on the Twelve Step recovery model of Alcoholics Anonymous. FA’s philosophy begins with the premise that when one family member is in trouble and abusing drugs, his or her whole family is in trouble and needs help.

Guided by the principles of the FA program, family members and friends learn how to find relief from their seemingly insurmountable burdens. They become able to enjoy some peace of mind and a degree of serenity, despite unsolved problems. They discover, too, that as they themselves change, so do the dynamics of their family; this often sets the stage for their addicted loved one’s recovery.

FA meetings take place throughout the United States and in many other countries. Each meeting begins with the basic FA readings and continues with the discussion of a topic chosen by the leader for that meeting. Members’ first names only are used so that everyone’s anonymity is respected and preserved.

Newcomers typically come to their first FA meetings feeling desperate and hopeless, fearing they have nowhere to turn. In the meetings they realize they are no longer alone. As they listen to other members share their experiences and hear how other families have dealt with circumstances and problems similar to their own, they learn new ways to cope with their own situations.

Families Anonymous is a nonprofessional, nonprofit organization. No dues or fees are required for membership. The program is spiritual in nature and is open to all who feel they might benefit from its meetings. Anyone is welcome to attend; no prior arrangement or appointment is necessary. All calls and contacts are confidential. Use this contact link to find out more information or to speak to someone who cares and understands. CONTACT US LINK