It is helpful to have as much information as possible about substance use disorders and the best ways to treat them. And it is also very important to find out about how to help yourself during this process.
- BOOKS, BLOGS, PODCASTS AND APPS
Books
Addict In The Family: Stories of Loss, Hope, and Recovery–Beverly ConyersA loved one’s addiction can cause feelings of fear, shame, deep anxiety and confusion. The belief that the family somehow caused or could have prevented it can make things worse. As the personal stories in this book show, family does not cause addiction and cannot control or cure it.
Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey through His Son's Addiction–David SheffWritten by a journalist who lived through his son’s addiction to crystal meth, Sheff writes in a powerful way about addiction as a disease that must be treated as a disease. The book provides hope that recovery is possible.
Beyond Addiction: How Science & Kindness Help People Change–Jeffrey Foot, Carrie Wilkens, Nicole Kosanke and Stephanie HiggsBased on the work of the Center for Motivation and Change, this book offers a science-based guide to helping loved ones overcome addiction problems using motivational and behavioral strategies. The CRAFT approach (Community Reinforcement and Family Training) has 3 goals: Gain the skills to take care of yourself; Learn skills to help your loved one change; and reduce substance use whether your loved one gets formal treatment or not.
Boundaries–Henry Cloud and John TownsendTalks about taking control of your life so you can make good decisions - knowing when to say yes, and learning how to say no.
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself–Melody BeattieThis book is a helpful guide for everyone whose life has been strongly affected by the disease of addiction. Words of wisdom and guidance help you understand codependency and its hold on your life.
Reclaim Your Family From Addiction: How Couples and Families Recover Love and Meaning–Craig NakkenIn a reassuring way, a family therapist explains how families and couples can lose their sense of wholeness and meaning after dealing with addiction. A good starting point in the healing process, this book is a reminder that recovery is possible for individuals, couples, and whole families.
Sober Siblings: How to Help Your Alcoholic Brother or Sister and Not Lose Yourself–Patricia Olsen and Petros Levounis, MD, MAHelps siblings of people addicted to alcohol deal with their own feelings of shame, frustration, hopelessness, and anger - and know the difference between helping and enabling. The book talks about setting boundaries, the nature of alcohol use disorder, and how to help while not losing yourself.
Podcasts
The Addiction Podcast: Point of No Return
Weekly podcast episodes on Parents/Families issues. Guests include addiction experts, MD’s, family members, musicians, actors, sports figures, law enforcement and clergy. The podcasts are stories on hope and recovery and for past year are posted on their YouTube Channel in video format.
Addiction Unlimited
Honest conversations about living with addiction. New episodes every Wednesday provide coaching strategies, guest interviews and perspective on living a strong and happy sober life.
Coming up for Air – Families Speak to Families about Addiction
This podcast series addresses topics relevant to families dealing with a loved one's addiction. Sponsored by Allies in Recovery, this web-based learning program focuses on educating family members on how to effectively communicate with a loved one affected by substance use disorders.
Greater Good Science Center, University of California Berkeley
Their podcast series, Happiness Break, guides you through practices to develop more self-kindness, resilience to stress, forgiveness, coping skills for anxiety, and moments of calm, joy and inspiration. Podcasts run 7 to 20 minutes.
Let’s Talk: Addiction & Recovery Podcasts
This award winning podcast series from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation presents conversations with people who work at the forefront of addiction treatment, recovery and prevention. Through information and inspiration, these podcasts open the door to hope, help, and healing.
Shatterproof – Five Great Podcasts About Addiction and Recovery
These podcasts offer support and education for families. You can find them on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen.
Blogs
Allies in Recovery
The Allies approach helps families learn how to talk with their loved one in order to guide them to recovery - and reduce their own stress and worry. Up-to-date blogs speak to important topics for families such as addiction treatment, aftercare, communication, connection, relapse, self-care and much more.
Partnership to End Addiction
This blog is written by families who have been impacted by a child’s substance use. Topics include loss, recovery, overdose, family support, treatment, grief and more.
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL)
Parents blog about how to support loved ones without enabling them, how to set boundaries and stick to them, how to let loved ones go without letting go. It is a safe place to share whatever is happening.
Apps
Talk. They Hear You.
Availability: iPhone and Android
Price: Free
Helps you get informed, be prepared, and take action to prevent underage drinking and other drug use. The app features sample conversation starters and ways to keep the conversation going. It includes a resources section with useful videos, fact sheets, guides/toolkits, and more.
Special Features:
Screen4Success helps you understand your child’s health and well-being. It is a 10-minute screening that shows you any signs of increased risk and helps you find support for your child’s needs. The Resources section recommends support services in your area and nationally.
- UNDERSTANDING ADDICTION
- Help and Support
- PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
- Interventions