Group Counselling For Families: Alcohol and Other Drug Support Program

What Does Group Counselling For Families Involve?

At Holyoake, our free peer-support program gives people who are dealing with another person’s alcohol and other drug use a safe space to share their stories. The Family Drug Support Program aims to support participants in reflecting on how they respond to the impacts of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use on their relationships.

Family Drug Support Program

The family alcohol and other drugs support program consists of 6 individual sessions and 12 weekly group sessions. Participants explore a range of concepts, with a focus on the effects of problem substance use and other dependent behaviours on the family unit. Group counselling for families promotes the development of practical, life-changing coping skills.

What Is Included: Family Drug Support Program

Understanding dependency: Providing a deeper understanding of the process of alcohol and other drug dependency.
Change and relapse prevention: Learning about change and relapse prevention, managing expectations, preparing for setbacks and letting go.
Self-responsibility and family dynamics: Understanding self-responsibility, the impact of substance use on family dynamics and practical coping skills and strategies.

In addition to these educational elements, the family alcohol and other drug support program provides space for group discussions that enable individuals and families to move forward and make positive, sustainable changes.

What is the Focus of the Family Drug Support Program?

Our focus for family members is on ‘self first’ and helping participants determine what’s helpful and what isn’t when they respond to the impact of someone else’s substance use and behaviours.

How Does the Family Drug Support Program Work?

The family alcohol and other drug support program starts with a personal intake session with an individual counsellor, followed by up to 6 individual and 12 group sessions. Our therapeutic peer-group sessions are led by highly trained and experienced facilitators who create a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment, fostering open dialogue and encouraging personal growth.

It’s a place where family members can share their stories, gain inspiration and build strong bonds with people who have similar experiences.

Why Use The Family Drug Support Program?

Participants often join the program feeling alone and isolated. This form of peer support helps people with personal acceptance and processing emotions – participants realise they aren’t alone and feel more able to plan a path forward for themselves.

How Participants Feel About Support:

“I felt my guilt and shame lift, and I was able to stop judging myself and focus on what was helpful and what was not. The sharing of comfort and support from complete strangers responding to similar things is amazingly helpful.”

“I was able to make the shift to focus on and examine my reactions and responses first, which actually increased the chance of being in a position to respond to my family member in a mutually helpful way.”