When you have a friend or family member who struggles with substance misuse, it can take a toll on you. While we may think of recovery support in terms of something only for that loved one, when their sobriety journey enters your orbit you’ll need a recovery plan for yourself as well. Supporting them does not include sacrificing your own mental health and well-being.

September was established as National Recovery Month by SAMHSA to bring light to the “strong and proud recovery community and the dedication of service providers and communities”. That community includes you, and it’s there to help and support you while you help and support your loved one. Having a place where you can share and be welcomed with kindness and empathy is an invaluable resource during what can be a troubling time.

It may feel counterintuitive, even embarrassing to ask for help when it’s your loved one who is so obviously in need. Acknowledge and honor that you also need help to deal with all that is going on in your life. You can join a community who will get to know you, and listen to you without judgement. Whether you choose to attend in person or online, there are places you can go for the encouragement and care you deserve.

Based on the traditions of AA, Al-Anon and AlaTeen are safe spaces where friends and family affected by a loved one’s substance misuse can find acceptance from others who are well acquainted with their situation. Meetings give you an opportunity to share common experiences and vent frustrations. The Al-Anon app has schedules for in person meetings and access to online meetings and chat rooms. Adolescents can access Alateen through the app for chats and meetings that are moderated by adults.

SMART Recovery offers Family & Friends group meetings in person and online, chaired by members who understand how stressful being in a relationship with someone struggling with substance misuse or behavioral health issues can be. A stigma-free zone that emphasizes self-empowerment, these meetings provide access to tools and techniques you can use to prioritize your well-being so you can enjoy your life while supporting your loved one.

CMC: Foundation for Change has Family Mondays, “learning and support sessions open to anyone who loves someone struggling with substance use.” Session topics focus on helping yourself and your loved one from a place of compassion, using their Invitation to Change Approach. Based in science and kindness, this skills-oriented approach empowers family and friends with a new understanding of what their loved ones are experiencing while providing the tools to foster growth and promote change.

Cindy and her team of Recovery and Mental Health coaches are always available to work with the family and friends of a loved one who is struggling with substance misuse or behavioral health issues. Meeting as a family unit or one-on-one, our coaches give spouses, partners, parents, and children, the space to feel their feelings and a place where they can be secure in knowing that they’re not alone in their effort to understand and heal.

When you feel stuck in what you think is an impossible situation, help is out there. If you’ve been putting off reaching out use National Recovery Month as an excuse to get started on your path to wellness. Utilize the resources and enlist a community of others who are where you are for the knowledge and the coping skills that can be implemented to make this difficult journey a little easier, for you and your family.

Even though the support of like-minded groups can bring emotional relief, Always seek the advice of your physician or a mental health professional for an evaluation and help with any issues you may have regarding your psychological health.

Whatever stage of recovery you or a loved one are in, whatever level of support is needed, a member of The Recovery Coach NY team can guide you through assessing your strengths and developing goals for next steps. You can reach out to Cindy via phone at 631-921-4085 to have a confidential conversation about how we can help or you can reach her directly via email here.

The Recovery Coach NY honors all paths of recovery with years of experience and a vast array of resources that can support those in need find the way to the life of joy and purpose they deserve. We come with an empathetic ear and solution-oriented actions that can begin to bring the relief you and your loved one seek. We provide Recovery Coaching, Mental Health Support & Coaching, Sobriety & Mental Health Companionship, Executive Function & Accountability Coaching, Academic Coaching & Scholastic Support, Safe Transport, Case Management, Psychedelic Integration Coaching, Intervention and Emergency Services. For more information, visit our website.

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