Center for Family Services
The Family Program provides family members with an opportunity to gain insight into the ways in which they have been affected by the family disease of chemical dependency and to learn how to recover from the effects of the disease. Alcoholics and addicts, and those who love them and are closest to them, are affected physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. As the disease progresses, many family members become so focused on the addict or alcoholic that they lose the ability to take care of themselves.
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Physically, you may not be eating well, sleeping well or exercising. Common illness includes migraine headaches, lower backaches, high blood pressure, gastro-intestinal difficulties, chronic fatigue, and other stress related illnesses.
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Mentally, begin obsessing about the chemically dependent loved one and what they’re doing, feeling overwhelmed and being unable to focus on the tasks of daily living. Clouded thinking and judgment begins to negatively impact other areas you can become obsessed, preoccupied and forgetful. You may have a hard time concentrating because of worry and racing thoughts. You can also develop mental defenses similar to the addict or alcoholic, such as denial and minimization.
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Emotionally, you may be anxious, fearful, depressed, guilty, lonely, angry, and overwhelmed with fear. Avoiding or burying feelings can result in physical problems and overreacting to minor incidents because of a buildup of unresolved tension.
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Socially, you might withdraw and become isolated, ceasing to participate in activities and hobbies that were once enjoyable. You can become disconnected from yourself, others and life.
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Spiritually, you might find yourself violating your own values to protect the addict or alcoholic and over time begin to lose faith, hope and a purpose for living.
Hanley Center’s Center for Family Services is a group experience for family members, friends and significant others who have been affected by another person’s alcoholism and chemical dependency. The program consists of interactive presentations and group discussions regarding alcohol and drug addiction, relapse, family dynamics and the effects of addiction on children as well as the recovery process. Participants also receive an introduction to useful skills that can be utilized in their own recovery from the family disease of addiction.
Who can attend?
The Family Program is offered to families and friends of our patients and people in the community who have been affected by someone’s addiction.
How can it benefit me? Why do I need to participate?
The Center for Family Services at Hanley Center provides valuable information, support and encouragement to individuals affected by another person’s addiction. Many family members are unaware of how deeply they have been affected by their loved one’s addiction and they may be confused about their role in supporting their loved one in recovery. Participants can discuss their concerns and ask questions so that they can make well-informed decisions. Groups are facilitated by Family Program counselors.
What is the cost?
There is no cost to friends and families of our patients. The program is also open to anyone in the community that is struggling with the impact of addiction on a loved one and/or on their family system.
When is the Center for Family Services offered?
The Family Program is afive-day program, beginning Monday morning and ending Friday afternoon. It is offered every week. Call 1-800-444-7008 or 561-841-1264 to register or to receive additional information.
Do I need to participate in all five days?
Participants are expected to attend all five days. The program is sequential in nature. Each session builds on the material covered in the previous session.
If I am not able to attend the Center for Family Services while my loved one is in treatment, can I come at another time?
Patients participate in the Family Program while they are in treatment. If you cannot attend the Family Program while your loved one is in treatment, you have up to one year from your loved one’s discharge date to participate.
Can my children participate in the Family Program?
Children under 18 will be discretely evaluated for the appropriateness of their attendance. If you live in the area, you can bring your children to the Kids and Teens Place, which is facilitated by the Prevention Department. For more information call 561-841-1214.
Can I visit with my loved one while I am in the Family Program?
Visitation is scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday following the clinical programming.
