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Laura Zick, CASAC, Family     Program Coordinator

The family program is a three part series, which allows the family members to come and learn how the disease of addiction has impacted them and also how they have played a part in the disease. They learn about the disease concept in the first session, co-dependency in the second session, and enabling in the third session. Case managers have to approve of the client entering the program, and the client needs to be in treatment for one month before they enter the program. Information is sent out to the family members inviting them to the program. In 2006 there were 139 clients and 370 family members who participated.

Many clients, due to the consequences of the disease and homelessness, do not know if family members are willing to participate, which yields anxiety about the process. Clients are encouraged to sign the necessary consent forms and allow their family members to decide. The process of the family program allows clients and their families to see and confront issues they have been unable to deal with, without support. The program works towards breaking through the denial and secrecy on the part of the client and their families. After an intense Sunday session, each client and their family are permitted to have a one-hour visit.

Chances for successful recovery are greatly increased when family members participate in treatment. At St. Christopher's Inn we believe that just as the chemically dependent person needs a program of recovery, so too do the family members who have been impacted by addiction. During the Family Program family members are assisted in developing more positive attitudes toward recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. The goals of the Family Program are:

     · To educate family members about the disease of alcoholism or drug addiction.

     · To help family members become aware of how they have been affected by the disease of alcoholism or drug        addiction.

     · To help family members assume responsibility for their own recovery.

The family program meets on three consecutive Sundays from 10:30am to 2:00pm. The program consists of:

     · Lectures on chemical dependency and family issues
     · Group discussion
     · Lunch
     · Visiting time

Family Program Statistics