Loving Lions
Resources/Support Groups

👥 Support Groups

Connect with others who understand your experience. Find peer support groups specifically designed for families affected by addiction.

Why Support Groups Help

You're Not Alone

Connect with others who truly understand your experience and challenges

Learn Coping Strategies

Discover practical tools and strategies from others who've faced similar situations

Emotional Support

Find comfort and encouragement in a safe, non-judgmental environment

What to Expect at Your First Meeting

  • • Meetings typically last 60-90 minutes
  • • You can listen without sharing if you prefer
  • • Everything shared is confidential
  • • No fees or dues - donations are voluntary
  • • Try different meetings to find the right fit

Al-Anon Family Groups

Support for families and friends of people with alcohol problems

Focus Areas:

  • Families of alcoholics
  • Spouses/partners
  • Adult children
  • Teens (Alateen)

What to Expect:

    Best For:

    Anyone affected by someone else's drinking, including family members, friends, and co-workers

    Contact Information

    Website:
    al-anon.org
    Phone:
    1-888-4AL-ANON (1-888-425-2666)
    Meeting Types:
    In-personOnlinePhone
    Cost:
    Free (donations accepted)

    Nar-Anon Family Groups

    Support for those affected by someone else's drug addiction

    Focus Areas:

    • Families of drug users
    • Parents
    • Siblings
    • Friends

    What to Expect:

      Best For:

      Family members and friends affected by someone's drug use or addiction

      Contact Information

      Website:
      nar-anon.org
      Phone:
      Online contact form available
      Meeting Types:
      In-personOnline
      Cost:
      Free (donations accepted)

      SMART Recovery Family & Friends

      Science-based support using motivational and cognitive-behavioral tools

      Focus Areas:

      • Evidence-based approach
      • Self-empowerment
      • Practical tools
      • Change planning

      What to Expect:

      • Learn practical communication skills
      • Develop motivation for personal change
      • Use tools to manage thoughts and behaviors
      • Focus on what you can control
      • Set goals for your own wellbeing

      Best For:

      Those who prefer a non-spiritual, tools-based approach to family recovery

      Contact Information

      Phone:
      440-951-5357
      Meeting Types:
      In-personOnline
      Cost:
      Free

      Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families

      Support for adults who grew up in homes with addiction or dysfunction

      Focus Areas:

      • Childhood trauma
      • Adult relationship patterns
      • Family roles
      • Inner child work

      What to Expect:

        Best For:

        Adults who grew up with alcoholic or dysfunctional parents and want to heal from childhood impacts

        Contact Information

        Phone:
        562-595-7831
        Meeting Types:
        In-personOnlinePhone
        Cost:
        Free (donations accepted)

        Families Anonymous

        Support for relatives and friends concerned about drug abuse or behavioral problems

        Focus Areas:

        • Drug abuse
        • Behavioral problems
        • Mental health issues
        • All family relationships

        What to Expect:

          Best For:

          Family members dealing with a relative's drug use, drinking, or behavioral problems

          Contact Information

          Phone:
          847-294-5877
          Meeting Types:
          In-personOnline
          Cost:
          Free (donations accepted)

          Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA)

          Support for people in codependent relationships

          Focus Areas:

          • Codependency
          • Relationship patterns
          • Boundaries
          • Self-care

          What to Expect:

            Best For:

            Anyone struggling with codependent patterns in relationships, including those with addicted family members

            Contact Information

            Website:
            coda.org
            Phone:
            602-277-7991
            Meeting Types:
            In-personOnlinePhone
            Cost:
            Free (donations accepted)

            Online Support Options

            Online Al-Anon Meetings

            Virtual meetings available 24/7 worldwide

            Features:

            • Text-based chat
            • Voice meetings
            • Video meetings
            • Multiple languages

            In The Rooms

            Online recovery community with family support groups

            Features:

            • Multiple group types
            • Mobile app
            • Social networking
            • Resource library

            12 Step Recovery Forums

            Text-based support forums for family members

            Features:

            • Anonymous posting
            • 24/7 availability
            • Specific topic forums
            • Peer moderation

            Want Additional Professional Support?

            While support groups provide peer connection, professional family coaching can offer personalized strategies and deeper therapeutic support.