Caring about, living with, or loving a person with addictive disease can seem like an impossible situation. Whether that person chooses recovery or not, the lives of family, friends and loved ones can become complicated and overwhelming. Contacting a professional counseling agency or therapist who is experienced in addictive disease can be very helpful. Another excellent source of support are the many self-help groups for friends, families and loved ones of those who have addictive disease. Below you will find links to information that we hope you will find helpful for your particular situation.

• Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups – Al-Anon (which includes Alateen for younger members) has been offering hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics. It is estimated that each alcoholic affects the lives of at least four other people… alcoholism is truly a family disease. No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, those who have been affected by someone else’s drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.
• Adult Children of Alcoholics – A 12-step program of recovery for women and men who grew up in an alcoholic or otherwise dysfunctional home.  Groups meet regularly and share their common experiences in order to arrest the emotional disease of family alcoholism. They learn how childhood experiences affected the past, influences the present and how to make positive changes so it does not shape the future.  No dues or fees for membership.
• Families Anonymous – Families Anonymous is a self-help group of concerned relatives and friends whose lives have been adversely affected by a loved one’s addiction to alcohol or drugs.
• Gam-Anon – A support group for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers. More and more parents of gamblers come to Gam-Anon to understand the problem and help their child. Members support and help each other by sharing their experiences, wisdom and strength. At weekly meetings, members educate themselves and learn new and appropriate methods of dealing with the gambler. In the process, they learn a better way of life for themselves.
• NY Nar-Anon Groups – A worldwide fellowship and 12-step program designed to help relatives and friends of addicts recover from the effects of living with an addicted relative or friend. Members meet and share experience, strength and hope.
• National Association for Children of Alcoholics – A national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of children of alcohol and drug dependent parents. The mission is to advocate for all children and families affected by alcoholism and other drug dependencies. They raise public awareness, provide leadership in public policy, advocate for education and prevention services and facilitate professional knowledge.

Source: Office of Addiction Services and Supports