PRABAL recognizes that addiction is a family disease. The consequences of addiction reach much farther than the addict himself and often leave the addict’s family in shambles. That’s why PRABAL has developed the “PRABAL FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM”.

The family of the chemically dependent person is victimized by addiction even though they do not use substances. These individuals are rarely treated as people who need help and are seldom provided a personalized recovery program to address their struggles. The unfortunate reality is that they are also desperately in need of proper help, support, and understanding. In trying to protect themselves from the pain of the disease, they may have developed emotionally insufficient coping mechanisms. The first step towards recovery is appreciating the enormity of the problem experienced by the family and educating themselves towards implementing the necessary behavioral changes.

Family support is an essential component in the recovering person’s journey. The best that the family can do is to be constructive towards their loved one and support his/her treatment program. The family needs to help the addict remain focused during the treatment process. All the family members must remain firm in impressing upon the addict to complete his treatment. The journey to recovery can only succeed with the full and active participation of the family members.

Treatment is only the first step of the long road to recovery. We believe that rehabilitation in the truest sense happens within the community to which one belongs, thus it becomes necessary for the same community to understand the addict, the pain, shame, and guilt he goes through, and how they will deal with him after he completes his treatment. This has been the main aim of our Family Assistance Program.

Family Association Meetings

Family association meetings are held on every alternate Sunday. The purpose behind organizing these meetings is to provide a platform for family members where they can share their feelings and take back ‘hope’ and ‘happiness’. These weekly sessions help them go past their initial shock and their own stage of denial. These meetings also teach them how to extend healthy support and do away with enabling attitudes that may hamper their recovery.

Prabal Family Support Group

The Prabal Family Support Group comprises family members whose loved ones are now in recovery. In the initial stages, this group provides support to family members to overcome feelings of guilt, shame, hurt, anger, grief, fear, and loneliness. Through dialogue and discussions, the group prepares them for the responsibility of being a constructive force and support to the program. This way, they remain focused on their loved one’s treatment and remain firm in impressing upon them to complete their treatment program.

Key Elements of the Prabal Family Support Program

• Educating the family about addiction
• Briefing the family about what to expect from the treatment program and how to cooperate for maximum benefit
• Introduction to Al-Anon family support groups
• Counseling for personal issues and conflict resolution
• Participation in structured intervention sessions with clients in treatment
• Communication exercises between the client and family members
• Participation in the client’s relapse prevention plan
• Regular classes at Prabal for families on various aspects of addiction and recovery