At Asheville Recovery Center, we know that addiction doesn’t just affect the individual—it impacts the whole family. That’s why we’ve created our new Family Program, designed to help families understand addiction and provide the tools they need to support their loved ones in recovery.
Why We Started Our Family Program
Over the years, we’ve seen families struggle to support their loved ones because they didn’t fully understand addiction. Sometimes, family members ask, “Why can’t you just stop?” or assume their loved one is still using even when they’re not. Misunderstandings like these can make recovery harder, sometimes even leading to setbacks.
As our Clinical Director, Eli Ahamed (LCAS, LCSW, CSI), explains, “Addiction is a family disease. If we want recovery to last, the whole family needs to be involved.” This program was created to fill that gap, giving families the knowledge and support they need to make a positive difference.
How Our Family Program Works
Our Family Program is designed to help families without compromising anyone’s privacy. We offer a safe space to guide discussions and make sure everyone is on the same page.
We also provide something unique: Family Passes on Sundays. Families get to spend time with their loved ones, prepared with the tools they’ve learned. These visits can be emotional, and we help families get ready to make the most of their time together, without harming the recovery process.
“We want these family sessions to be productive,” Eli explains. “When families are prepared, we can address conflicts and build healthier relationships while clients are still in treatment.”
What Families Can Expect to Learn
Dani Frank (LCAS-A, LCSW-A), one of our Primary Therapists, shares some key elements of the program:
- Understanding Addiction: Learn what addiction really is and how it impacts your loved one.
- Building a Support System: Connect with other families who are going through similar experiences.
- Learning Healthy Communication: Join group discussions where you can share your own experiences.
- Advice from Experts: Hear from guest speakers in recovery who offer insights and practical advice.
Addressing Tough Conversations
We understand that some conversations—like avoiding enabling behaviors or setting boundaries—are difficult to have. Our trained therapists guide these discussions, ensuring that every family member feels heard and supported.
“We set clear expectations so everyone feels safe,” Eli says. “Our goal is to create a space where families can open up, process emotions, and learn how to support each other.”
Ongoing Tools and Support
We want families to walk away with tools they can use long after the program ends:
- Setting Boundaries: Learn how to create healthy boundaries that protect both you and your loved one.
- Recognizing Enabling Behaviors: Understand how to avoid unintentionally supporting addiction.
- Taking Care of Yourself: We offer resources like Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and therapy referrals.
We also recommend the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) workbook—a practical guide to supporting a loved one through recovery, even during tough times like relapse.
Our Plans for the Future
We’re excited to see how this program grows. For now, the focus is on family members, but we plan to include joint sessions with clients in the future. We’re also exploring the idea of regular process groups for families and alumni sessions once treatment ends.
“Our goal is to build a program that continues to grow and evolve,” Eli shares. “We want this to become a meaningful part of the recovery process for every family.”
Join Our Family Program
We believe that recovery is stronger when families are involved. By joining our Family Program, you’ll get the knowledge, tools, and support you need to help your loved one succeed—and take care of yourself in the process.
“We hope families leave with a better understanding of addiction and feel confident about how they can help,” Dani says.
If you’re interested in joining our Family Program at Asheville Recovery Center, please reach out to us at 828-237-4582. We’d love to help you support your loved one on their recovery journey.
