FAMILY RESOURCES

We know that substance use disorders can have a devastating impact on the families and other loved ones of individuals in active addiction. Sadly, for too long, family members were at a loss for where to seek guidance or support. In response, FOR-NY developed a robust Family to Family Resource Guide to help loved ones identify and access critical resources that can assist in helping both their loved ones and themselves.

It has been said that addiction is a disease of 1+4 because it affects not only the individual, but at least four other loved ones as well. Sadly, family members may not know where to turn or how to help.  To make matters worse, the shame and stigma society associates with addiction keeps those that need help from reaching out – even to close friends and relatives.  Instead,  families struggling with addiction may suffer in silence and don’t know where to turn. The good news is that there are many family resources available to help cope, heal and carry on. From 12-step meetings specifically for family members to Family Support Navigators (FSNs).


Emergency Room Survival Guide

A new ER-OD Survival Guide now available as a resource for those with a friend or family member going through a Post-Overdose/Active Withdrawal Emergency Room Discharge. This guide contains helpful steps and contact information for Emergency Room visits for addiction, if a discharge order is imminent prior to connecting the patient with treatment/recovery resources.

Family to Family Recovery Resource Guide

In response to requests for help from families across New York State who are struggling with a loved one’s addiction, and with support from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS), we’ve created a comprehensive, user-friendly, downloadable guide based on feedback provided by family members who have “been there.” Click’  here‘ to learn more and download the guide.  Click ‘here’ to take a quick survey to give us feedback on the guide.

Family Support Navigators

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS) funds Family Support Navigators (FSNs) to help families and individuals understand the progression of addiction, how to navigate the insurance and treatment systems, and even how to adjust to a loved one’s return home from treatment. In short, Family Support Navigators provide support for families throughout the recovery process and connect them to a variety of vital resources. To see if there’s a Family Support Navigator near you, click here for a county by county directory.

Support for Families

Because the guide is so comprehensive, it may take some time to read it through thoroughly and access the assistance you need. In the meantime, you may want to attend local mutual aid groups or join one of the many online support communities like those included here:

Mutual Aid Groups

“There is help. There is hope.”

“There is help. There is hope.”