Finding Support Groups for Families of Addicts in Idaho

Resources for Families of People with Substance Use Disorders

Finding support groups for families of addicts in Idaho is not always easy. There are groups out there, but connecting with the right group at the right time can be tricky. We hope this page will help you track down the resources necessary to locate the support you need and deserve during this difficult time.

Substance abuse doesn’t spare anyone in the family. It’s often the case that family members are negatively impacted nearly as much as the individual with the addiction.

In addition to seeking groups to build a support system, you may also need to reach out to a treatment center for help.

When that is the case, make a call to Icarus Wellness & Recovery in Boise, and a member of our team will be happy to discuss the situation with you.

How Addiction Impacts the Entire Family

The impact of addiction is rarely limited to the individual. Instead, it typically stretches out to harm family members and friends, as well. Relationships are often strained, and long periods of uncertainty and stress are endured by all involved. Families affected by addiction experience many emotions, including:

• Anxiety about the safety and well-being of their loved one
• Frustration and anger stemming from broken trust
• Feelings of guilt or responsibility in some way for the addiction
• Emotional exhaustion from trying to help over and over

People addicted to drugs or alcohol often struggle to admit they have a problem or to accept help. A family that is providing support without seeing progress or improvement can start to break down and even fall apart. Financial difficulties, legal issues, and mental health challenges are all common outcomes in this situation.

Why Support Groups for Families of Addicts Are So Helpful

While the situation can seem grim, support groups do offer a glimmer of hope for affected families. Whether attending in person or virtually, engaging in group meetings and other forms of family therapy support can go a long way toward turning things in a better direction.

Emotional Validation

It’s common to feel isolated when a loved one struggles with addiction. Hearing the stories of others who are having similar experiences can help tremendously by reducing feelings of loneliness.

It will become clear early on in this experience that far too many other families are currently going through the same thing you are facing.

Education About Addiction

You might not know anything about how addiction works when first getting into a support group. In the process, you can learn about the science of addiction, which will take away some of the mystery from the situation, and you can also pick up guidance on recovery strategies and ideas for healthy ways to support a loved one.

Healthy Coping Strategies

Coping skills aren’t only for the individual battling an addiction. These skills are just as important for family members and friends who are offering support and help. The strategies you learn from your support groups will help you set proper boundaries, manage your own stress, and avoid becoming an enabler.

Examples of Support Group Options for Families in Idaho

There are many support group options available for families in Idaho. Many of these resources are available in the Boise area, but groups exist throughout the state for this very purpose. No matter where you live in Idaho, you don’t have to take on this battle alone any longer.

Al-Anon Family Group Meetings

Al-Anon is one of the most popular and successful support organizations for families affected by alcohol addiction. These meetings aren’t for the addicted individual themselves, but rather for the spouses, parents, children, and friends of those people. In such meetings, participants will learn how to focus on their own well-being and how to deal with the challenges of supporting someone with an addiction.

There are a number of Al-Anon groups that you may be able to join in the Boise area. Some options are listed below, although these details can change, so it’s always best to confirm before attending.

Tuesday and Friday Noon AFG

Cathedral of the Rockies

717 N. 11th Street, Boise, ID

Meetings at noon on Tuesdays and Fridays

Southeast Boise AFG

Virtual Meeting Over Zoom

Meetings at 6:30PM on Thursdays

Sunday Morning Early Birds AFG

Alano Club

3820 W Cassia St., Boise, ID

Meetings at 8:00AM on Sundays

Nar-Anon Family Groups

These groups are similar to Al-Anon meetings, only they are focused on the loved ones of individuals struggling with drug addiction. The concept of the meetings is the same, and you’ll be able to speak with other people who truly understand what you are experiencing.

As Nar-Anon meetings are not as common as Al-Anon, you may have trouble finding a physical meeting near you in Idaho. However, there are virtual meetings that you can attend from anywhere to connect with others in your position.

SMART Recovery Family and Friends

These meetings take a slightly different approach from the resources discussed above. The SMART Recovery program uses evidence based tools that draw from psychology and behavioral science. It focuses on practical strategies for things like communication, boundary setting, and self care.

As with Nar-Anon, you may have better luck attending meetings virtually as opposed to in person. You can consult the calendar to see what meetings are available to join at times that work for you.

Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health

Focusing all of your energy on helping someone else’s drinking or drug use can take a toll on your own mental health. Many family members wind up feeling selfish if they take any time for themselves. That’s a road to burnout, however. Self care is not selfish, and in fact, it’s essential. There are a number of ways that you can prioritize your own mental health during this difficult time –

• Counseling or therapy
• Stress management techniques
• Maintaining healthy social connections
• Developing hobbies and personal interests

Not only will you be healthier if you spend time on self care, but you’ll also be better able to help your loved one.

Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Starts at Icarus Wellness

It’s never easy to achieve lasting recovery after fighting any type of addiction. The journey is a long one for both the addicted loved one and the rest of the family.

By attending online meetings and using other support services, you can start to make progress together and move forward in a positive direction.

At Icarus Wellness & Recovery, we are always ready to help with addiction and mental health issues. Whether it’s alcohol abuse or drugs, we can work with you to address both the addiction and any underlying mental illness that has been driving it. Call now and let’s fight this battle together.

All calls are confidential, so please do not hesitate to reach out for support now!

References

1. Lander, L., Howsare, J., & Byrne, M. (2013). The impact of substance use disorders on families and children: From theory to practice. Social Work in Public Health, 28(3–4), 194–205.
2. Lipari, R. N., & Van Horn, S. L. (2017, August). Children living with parents who have a substance use disorder. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality.