What Does Families Anonymous Offer?
Using Families Anonymous as Support for Loved Ones of Addicts and Alcoholics
Attending The 12 Step FA Program and What to Know
Addiction doesn’t just affect the person going through it. It also impacts those around them. If you are watching someone you love struggle with alcohol or substance abuse, finding support is essential.
This is where FA comes into play. Families Anonymous (FA) is a 12-step program for people close to those facing substance abuse and addictive behaviors.
FA meetings welcome family members, friends, and significant others. You’re welcome to attend if you’re concerned about someone in your life, regardless of whether you know there is a problem for sure. So, what should you know before you go?
Purpose Healing Center provides therapy for a range of concerns. These include, but aren’t limited to: addiction, mental health, trauma, and other life stressors.
We’re here to help clients and their loved ones, like you, get the support you need, which may involve attending FA or a similar program. Let’s talk about what Families Anonymous has to offer and what you might want to know before your first meeting.
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What Does Families Anonymous Offer for Loved Ones?
Families Anonymous meetings offer a safe space for family and friends of those who have a drug problem or related behavioral concerns to gather. It has one primary purpose: to help those concerned about someone who has or may have a problem of drug abuse or dependence.
If your loved one has an addiction, you might feel powerless or lost. You may not know how to navigate a variety of situations related to the person’s substance abuse. FA meetings focus on supporting members rather than changing their loved ones’ behaviors.
Another goal of the framework used in FA is to educate families on navigating issues related to addiction and taking care of their own mental health. You might learn about addiction, boundary setting, coping skills, and improving relationships (including your relationship with the person affected by addiction).
What are the Types of Families Anonymous Meetings?
There are different types of FA meetings. Go to the FA website and click on Find A Meeting. There, you’ll find three main ways to attend meetings:
In-Person FA Meetings
In-person FA meetings typically take place at churches, counseling centers, and other community spaces. For example, there’s a regular Families Anonymous meeting in Scottsdale on Sundays at 4 PM at the North Scottsdale Fellowship Club.
FA Virtual Meetings
Whether due to a busy schedule or your location, not everyone can attend in-person Families Anonymous meetings. Virtual (online) meetings take place over Zoom.
FA Phone Meetings
What if you don’t use Zoom? Family members and friends are welcome to join Families Anonymous meetings via phone. On the virtual meeting list, there should be a phone number you can call to attend.
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Families Anonymous Meeting Formats and Niche Groups
When you look at the FA meeting directory, you’ll notice that there are different formats, focuses, and niche groups. For example:
- FA bereavement groups.
- Sibling meetings.
- Parents of adolescents meetings.
- Significant others and spouses’ meetings.
These meeting types let people share experiences unique to their situation.
What are the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Families Anonymous?
Modeled after the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), FA meetings use a typical 12-step framework to promote healing and personal growth. However, in FA, the steps are geared toward loved ones.
For example, “We admitted we were powerless over drugs and other people’s lives that our lives had become unmanageable” is the first of the Twelve Steps in FA, as well as in the 12 Steps of Al-Anon.
When reading the Twelve Steps for the first time, it’s often helpful for new members to know that they can be adapted to fit their beliefs. Specifically, you might notice that FA literature sometimes refers to a higher power. Like in AA, a higher power can refer to anything that aligns with your personal belief system.
The Twelve Traditions serve as guidelines that help the fellowship maintain unity. For example, anonymity is a crucial component of FA, which is mentioned in the Twelve Traditions.
Further Benefits of FA and Resources for Loved Ones of Addicts
Whether you’re grappling with grief, codependency, enablement, or anything else related to a loved one’s addiction (whether they are or are not seeking help), FA can be of value.
A sampling of the resources and benefits associated with FA includes:
- All FA meetings are 100% free of cost, making them an accessible support option.
- Educational information. FA offers educational resources in the form of literature and free downloads on its website.
- Emotional support. When you attend meetings, you have the opportunity to connect with other family members and friends who have loved ones with an addiction. This gives you the chance to get and give emotional support.
- Reduced isolation. Having a loved one with an addiction can feel isolating. When you attend a meeting, you aren’t alone anymore.
- Emotion regulation. Many people find that FA meetings and framework help them to manage their emotions in healthy ways.
- Quality of life. FA focuses on staying in the present and supporting a loved one’s positive behaviors while refraining from taking on what is not your own or enabling. In turn, your quality of life and sense of peace can improve.
All in all, FA can be a great way to build community. It can help a concerned person find hope and feel more confident as they navigate life as the relative or loved one of someone with an addiction.
How Therapy Can Help the Family Members of People With Substance Use Disorders
Groups like FA fill in a gap for family and friends of addicts seeking community, support, and guidance. Therapy, which may take the following forms, can also play an essential role in helping families heal.
- Family therapy. If your loved one is in addiction treatment at Purpose Healing Center, you will likely attend family therapy sessions. These sessions can improve family dynamics, provide education, and foster healing.
- Individual therapy. As the loved one of a person with addiction or related behavioral problems, seeking therapy for yourself can be valuable. Individual therapy sessions provide a confidential, safe place to discuss your concerns and find solutions to the stressors in your life.
Therapy involves working with licensed mental health professionals. If you’re able to access therapy services, doing so is encouraged.
Choose Purpose for Effective Addiction Treatment in Arizona
Watching loved ones struggle with self-destructive behavior can be incredibly challenging.
With our accredited locations in Phoenix and Scottsdale, we work with people and families affected by substance abuse and mental health concerns.
Whether you’re looking for help for yourself or are searching for an addiction treatment placement for a loved one, we’re here to help. Our programs are covered by most forms of insurance in-network, including AHCCCS.
Call Purpose Healing Center today for additional information. All calls are strictly confidential, so please seize the opportunity for support and reach out for options now.
FAQs About Families Anonymous
Is Families Anonymous a religious organization?
No. Families Anonymous is not affiliated with any religion.
What is the difference between Al-Anon and Families Anonymous?
Al-Anon meetings are geared specifically toward the loved ones of people with alcohol addiction. Families Anonymous is for the loved ones of those experiencing any addiction or related behavioral problem.
What are the 12 steps of Emotions Anonymous?
Emotions Anonymous (EA) is a 12-step program that supports people with emotional difficulties in leading more manageable lives. The twelve steps used in EA are similar to those used in FA and AA.
Can you do the 12 steps alone?
Community can be a vital part of the recovery process. This is true not just for people overcoming addiction but for those healing from the effects of a loved one’s addiction. While you can find value in exploring the 12 steps on your own, meetings are a great place to find community, learn from other members, and share information.
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