Why Families Need Peer Support Too
Episode Overview
Peer support is crucial for families of those with SUD. Parents often blame themselves for their child's addiction. Self-care is essential for parents to support their children effectively. FAR and AARC offer unique peer support programs. Real-life stories highlight the challenges and triumphs of families dealing with addiction.
"Parents often think it's about what they've done or haven't done. Actually, it's about their kid's genetics and circumstances",
Peer support isn't just for those struggling with addiction; it's vital for their families too. In this episode of the Ashes to Awesome Podcast, host Chuck LaFlange is joined by Angie Hamilton from Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR) and Ciara from Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) to discuss the importance of peer support for families of those with Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
Angie and Ciara dive into how their respective organisations provide unique peer support programs that help families navigate the turbulent waters of addiction recovery. The episode highlights how these programs offer a lifeline for parents and family members, providing them with essential tools and emotional support. Angie shares touching anecdotes about the transformative power of peer support, emphasising that parents often blame themselves for their child's addiction, when in reality, it's about genetics and individual circumstances.
Ciara echoes these sentiments, explaining how AARC's long-term treatment plans not only focus on the youth but also extend to their families, helping them cope and support their loved ones effectively. Throughout the episode, you'll hear real-life stories that illustrate the challenges and triumphs of families dealing with addiction.
Angie and Ciara also discuss the critical role of self-care for parents, drawing parallels to the 'oxygen mask' analogy used in aeroplanes—parents need to look after themselves first to be able to support their children better. The episode is filled with moments of humour and relatability, making it an engaging listen while tackling serious issues.
Whether you're a parent, sibling, or friend of someone struggling with addiction, this episode offers valuable insights and practical advice on how to be there for your loved ones without losing yourself in the process. Tune in to learn how peer support can make a world of difference not just for those in recovery but for their families too. You might find the support you didn't know you needed.