Local Support Groups

Staying Connected is Important

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The impact of addiction extends far beyond the individualβ€”it affects those who love them, both family and friends. Just like our loved ones need recovery, so does our family. Support groups below are available both virtually and in person.

Al-Anon
Mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether the alcoholic admits the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help.
Visit Website β†’
Learn to Cope
Peer-led support network that offers education, resources, and hope for family members and friends who have loved ones affected by substance use disorder. Virtual and in-person education and support available.
πŸ“§ ltc@learn2cope.org
SMART Recovery Family & Friends
A science-based alternative for those affected by the substance use of a loved one. TOOLBOX contains several worksheets on common barriers, struggles we face, and awareness of self-care.
Visit Website β†’ Toolbox β†’
Families Anonymous
Celebrating our 50th Anniversary in 2021. Formed in 1971 by concerned parents in California seeking ways of dealing with substance abuse and addiction in their children. Our members include parents, grandparents, siblings, spouses, significant others, other family members and friends of those with a current, suspected or former drug problem. Groups throughout the world.
Visit Website β†’
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)
Adult Children of Alcoholics/Dysfunctional Families is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of people who grew up in dysfunctional homes. ACA provides a safe, nonjudgmental environment that allows us to grieve our childhoods and conduct an honest inventory of ourselves and our family.
Visit Website β†’
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL)
A support group for parents and other family members who are trying to support a loved one in seeking recovery. PAL provides hope, through education and support, to parents of addicted loved ones. Make PAL meetings available to all parents of addicted loved ones.
Visit Website β†’
Massachusetts Resources
Statewide Massachusetts resources for families affected by substance use disorder. These services are accessible throughout the Commonwealth.
πŸ†˜ Massachusetts Helpline
The Helpline is a statewide, public resource for finding substance use harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and problem gambling services. Helpline services are free and confidential, and available 24/7.
πŸ“ž Visit Helpline β†’
Parent Training Curriculum: Nurturing Program
Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery - Evidence-based program helps parents explore their own histories and family impacts, while building skills for family recovery. Comprehensive curriculum designed to support families through the recovery process.
Learn More β†’
Need Local Services?
The above resources are accessible statewide. There are many more support groups that may be specific to a certain community or county within Massachusetts. If you would like local services, please contact your family coordinator.

Massachusetts Resources

Statewide Massachusetts resources for families affected by substance use disorder. These services are accessible throughout the Commonwealth.
πŸ†˜ Massachusetts Helpline
The Helpline is a statewide, public resource for finding substance use harm reduction, treatment, recovery, and problem gambling services. Helpline services are free and confidential, and available 24/7.
πŸ“ž Visit Helpline β†’
Parent Training Curriculum: Nurturing Program
Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery - Evidence-based program helps parents explore their own histories and family impacts, while building skills for family recovery. Comprehensive curriculum designed to support families through the recovery process.
Learn More β†’
Need Local Services?
The above resources are accessible statewide. There are many more support groups that may be specific to a certain community or county within Massachusetts. If you would like local services, please contact your family coordinator.

Resources for Youth

Alateen
Fellowship for young people (mostly teenagers) whose lives have been affected by someone else's drinking
Visit Website β†’
NACoA (National Association for Children of Addiction)
Support for children of parents struggling with addiction. Resources, trainings, videos.
Main Site β†’ Just for Kids β†’ Just for Teens β†’
Children's Program (Hazelden Betty Ford)
Education and support for youth who have a parent with substance use disorder
Visit Website β†’
Sesame Street in Communities
Activities, videos, and resources to support families in recovery
Visit Website β†’
Teens Health
Addresses coping with a parent's substance use disorder
Visit Website β†’
Need Local Support?
These resources are accessible statewide. For community-specific support groups in Massachusetts, please contact your family coordinator.
Additional organizations and programs providing support, education, and resources for families affected by addiction.
Faces & Voices of Recovery
National organization providing mutual aid resources and recovery support materials for families and communities.
Visit Website β†’
Friends of Recovery
NY-based organization with useful family resources and information applicable nationwide.
Visit Website β†’
Virtual Family Program for Native Americans
Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation offers specialized virtual family program designed for Native American families affected by addiction.
Visit Website β†’
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Federal agency providing access to significant resources, support and educational materials on substance use disorders and mental health. Comprehensive website with information for families.
Visit Website β†’
Parent Training: Nurturing Families
Nurturing Program for Families in Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery - Evidence-based program helps parents explore their own histories and family impacts, while building skills for family recovery.
Learn More β†’