If you are suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction, you may want to seek out support from an online group. There are many options, including Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, Learn to Cope, and Recovering Couples Anonymous. In addition to online support groups, you can also find face-to-face programs in your area.
Al-Anon
While being a family member of an addict can be a difficult experience, online meetings for families of addicts can offer support and encouragement. In addition to helping families heal from the trauma of a loved one’s addiction, these meetings provide an opportunity to connect with other families who share the same experiences. The meetings are confidential and anonymous, and are funded by donations.
| Have you tried Meetn, the new online meeting platform? It’s turning out to become a decent alternative to Zoom and to the other major platforms. |
Participants of Al-Anon meetings are typically religious or spiritual. Some members are new to the organization, while others have been members for years. In addition, newcomers may have different goals than stable members. It is important to understand what newcomers hope to accomplish at the meetings so that referrals can be made.
Nar-Anon
Nar-Anon is a support group for family and friends of addicts. Its spiritual program helps family and friends stay focused and determined to help their loved one. Many addicts feel isolated and alone, and having a support group can make them feel more connected and empowered. In addition, many addicts need a safe place to talk about their struggles, and Nar-Anon meetings provide this space.
In addition to meeting addiction-related needs, Nar-Anon also helps families reconnect with each other. Because addiction tends to isolate everyone, connecting with other addict families can be therapeutic. Meetings can be difficult for family members, but being able to share stories of their experiences can help strengthen their resolve.
Learn to Cope
Learn to Cope is a peer-led support network for families of addicts. Founded in 2004, the network has a private online forum with over 10,000 members and 25 in-person meetings throughout Massachusetts. These meetings are open to family and friends of people with substance use disorders, and they focus on education and addiction issues. The organization also hosts guest speakers to provide insight and advice to members. These are usually local professionals or individuals who have experienced the disease.
Learn to Cope offers free monthly online meetings for families of addicts in many states. Meetings are held Monday through Thursday from 7 to 8:30 PM EST, and members can attend one or more meetings. The organization also offers special meetings for Spanish-speaking families, siblings, and families who lost a loved one. In addition to its in-person meetings, Learn to Cope also offers virtual meetings, including the Still Learning Still Coping peer-support group. These meetings are conducted on Monday nights via Zoom.
Recovering Couples Anonymous
Recovering Couples Anonymous is a 12-Step fellowship with local groups in many U.S. cities and throughout the world. It is based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and aims to help both partners recover from destructive relationships. It helps people develop intimacy and learn not to blame one another for their current situations.
Addiction can destroy any marriage, causing problems like financial hardship, arguments, trust issues, and even legal entanglements. Couples who live with an addict often seek support from a support group. Fortunately, there are online meetings for recovering couples. A support group for couples may also be helpful for family members who are coping with their addicted loved one.
Typically, a primary care physician or addiction counselor is the first step in finding a meeting. If you are unable to make the meeting in person, an online version of the 12-step program is available to you. Meetings are led by a chair couple, and you must have at least one partner enrolled in the Twelve Step fellowship. The goal is to help the family members recover by learning about the experiences of others who have suffered from addiction and recovery.
Herren Project
If you’re looking for online meetings for families of addicts, you’ve come to the right place. The Herren Project provides a welcoming environment for families dealing with a loved one’s addiction. The monthly online meetings feature special guest speakers and topics. For example, one group meeting will feature Maureen Cavanagh, the founder of Magnolia New Beginnings, who will talk about the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries and self-care. The online meetings and webinars are free but registration is required.
Online meetings for families of addicts are hosted by the Herren Project, a nonprofit that provides free, peer-based support to people suffering from substance-use disorders. Each meeting starts with a speaker, and then moves into a group discussion.