How To Find Family Support Groups For Mental Health & Addiction

If a family member is struggling with a mental health disorder, you can help yourself by reaching out to family support groups. Online support groups, your local addiction recovery board, and other family members can help you find a family support group for your own needs.

Mental health and substance abuse are serious mental health conditions. A loved one with these conditions may need significant support and care. Caring for someone with these conditions can be difficult, especially if you do not set boundaries for yourself.

Family support groups can connect you to people with similar experiences. 

They can offer support and advice for you and your loved ones, while helping you learn healthier coping skills for a family member’s mental illness. You can offer peer support for your group members in return.

Online Resources

If you are looking for a family support group for mental health or addiction, you can access online resources from national and non-profit organizations. Online resources you can use include:

• SAMHSA’s resources for families
• SAMHSA’s national crisis helpline
• Support group locators from the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and other organizations

You can attend family support group meetings at little to no cost.

If you cannot find a local support group near you, online support groups can also help. Online support groups can host meetings through webinars, social media, or Facebook groups, and can connect family caregivers from the comfort of their own homes.

Local Resources

Support group organizations such as NAMI and Al-Anon have local resource centers. You can visit these centers to find support services in your area. You can contact your local affiliate over the phone or schedule an in-person visit.

Local addiction recovery boards may also have support services for family members. These services may include pamphlets and information fact sheets.

Supporting Family Members & Loved Ones

If a family member is struggling with a mental illness or addiction, their condition can affect your entire family. These conditions can affect your communication and productivity skills. On the other hand, family members may feel responsible for their loved ones’ well-being.

You can talk to your family members and loved ones to create an emotional support community within your family. You can also refer each other to support groups and attend meetings together.

By supporting each other, your family members can avoid isolating themselves and look out for everyone’s well-being, as well as your own.

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Centers

Mental health and substance abuse treatment centers can offer family therapy for patients and their families.

While this form of family support may be different from family support groups, mental health conditions can hurt relationships between family members. Family therapy and family support groups have common goals of restoring relationships and learning healthier coping skills.

If you have a family member with a mental illness or addiction, reach out to us today. We offer mental health and addiction treatment services such as behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, mental health services, family therapy, and other individualized treatment options.