At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we understand that addiction affects not just the individual struggling but also their loved ones. A strong, healthy, and supportive family system plays a crucial role in recovery. That’s why we host our Family Empowerment Group events—to provide education, guidance, and a space for healing.
This March, we are excited to host another session of our Family Empowerment Group, offering support and resources for families affected by addiction. Whether your loved one is in treatment, in recovery, or struggling with substance use, this event is designed to help you navigate the challenges while fostering a positive and supportive environment.
How Does Family Involvement Affect Recovery?
Family support can significantly impact a person’s recovery journey. Studies have shown that individuals with strong family involvement in treatment have higher success rates and a lower risk of relapse. When families participate in therapy and support groups, they can learn healthy ways to communicate, set boundaries, and provide encouragement without enabling negative behaviors.1
However, when family members are uninformed about addiction or hesitant to engage in the recovery process, they may unknowingly enable destructive habits. For instance, shielding a loved one from consequences, ignoring problematic behaviors, or providing financial support without accountability can delay recovery progress. That’s why it’s essential for families to seek education and support, ensuring they play a constructive role in their loved one’s healing journey.2
What to Expect at Our Family Empowerment Group
Our Family Empowerment Group is a welcoming and supportive space where families can connect, share, and learn. Our support group is communal and conversational—participants gather, enjoy coffee and donuts, and begin with a casual icebreaker while introductions are made.
Our family support group is designed to be interactive, with space for families to ask questions, share stories, and explore the realities of addiction together. Discussion topics often include the relapse process, what it means for both the person in recovery and their family, and how to heal collectively after a setback. The importance of honesty and forgiveness in rebuilding trust and moving forward as a family unit may also be discussed.
Attendees are introduced to various recovery pathways. While 12-step programs like AA and Al-Anon are explained—including their history and the role of figures like Bill W.—other non-spiritual alternatives such as SMART Recovery and ALANA Recovery are also discussed. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can find a method of support that aligns with their beliefs and needs.
Stigma and myths around addiction are also challenged, giving families the opportunity to better understand what their loved one is going through. Differences between alcoholism and drug addiction are clarified, and connections between family dynamics and substance use are explored. Information on youth-focused recovery options is also shared, along with mental health resources for families dealing with co-occurring disorders.
In addition to conversation and education, the group may include a tour of the Empowered Recovery Center for early arrivals, giving families a firsthand look at the facility along with available therapies and treatment options. These resources ensure attendees leave the session feeling informed and equipped to support their loved ones through every stage of recovery.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Date & Time: Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Empowered Recovery Center, 3651 Canton Road, Marietta, GA 30066
Virtual Option: Available via Zoom for those unable to attend in person
Who Can Attend: Families of individuals struggling with addiction, in treatment, or in recovery
Our Family Empowerment Group is a free event open to anyone looking for guidance, community, and expert insight into supporting a loved one through addiction recovery. Whether you’re seeking advice on setting boundaries, understanding addiction, or learning how to heal as a family, this session is a valuable opportunity to gain practical tools and emotional support.
Family-First Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
At our drug and alcohol rehab in Atlanta, we believe in treating addiction within the context of family relationships. We offer family therapy, support groups, and individualized treatment plans to help both individuals and their loved ones heal together. Our rehab programs in Atlanta range from partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP), to standard outpatient and aftercare support, ensuring that every patient receives the right level of care for their needs.
If you or a loved one are seeking addiction treatment, our rehab admissions team is here to help. We accept a variety of insurance plans, but we are also able to work with various out-of-network plans, and offer a number of payment options to make care accessible.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your family’s journey to recovery.
References:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2021). Family involvement in treatment and recovery for substance use disorders among transition-age youth: Research bedrocks and opportunities. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8380649/
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (n.d.). Individual drug counseling. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 18, 2025, from https://archives.nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/manual3.pdf
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