When someone you love is struggling with addiction or mental health, the whole family feels it. You may be worried, exhausted, angry or unsure what to do next. You do not have to figure it out alone. Blackburn supports families at every stage, from the first phone call through long-term recovery.
Free virtual family support group
Blackburn hosts a free family support group every other week, online, led by a licensed therapist from Blackburn Clinical Services. It is a place for parents, partners, siblings and other loved ones to share what they are going through, learn from families who have been there and get professional guidance on addiction, mental health and recovery.
- Free to attend, with no commitment
- Held virtually, so you can join from anywhere
- Meets every two weeks
- Led by a licensed therapist
- Open conversation, education and practical support
It is open to any family, whether or not your loved one is a Blackburn client. Call or email us to get the schedule and the link to join.
Parent and family coaching
Family coaching gives you one-on-one guidance for your specific situation. A coach helps you understand what your loved one is going through, set healthy boundaries, communicate without fighting and know when and how to step in. Coaching, family education and intensive family workshops are offered through Blackburn Clinical Services, so your support stays connected to your loved one’s care.
Signs your loved one may need help
- Drinking or using more, more often, or hiding it
- Changes in mood, sleep, appearance or friends
- Problems at work or school, or with money or the law
- Pulling away from family and activities they used to enjoy
- Promises to stop that do not last, or a relapse after treatment
If you are seeing these signs, you do not have to wait for a crisis. Our intervention specialists can help you plan a compassionate conversation and have a plan for care ready when your loved one says yes.
How families can help
Families often ask what they should be doing. A few things make a real difference:
- Learn about addiction so you can respond with understanding instead of blame
- Set clear, loving boundaries and keep them
- Stop protecting your loved one from the consequences of their use
- Stay connected and keep the door open to help
- Take care of yourself, too, so you can show up for the long run
Support for every stage
Blackburn offers a full continuum of care, and families can stay involved throughout:
- Intervention to help a loved one accept care
- Sober living in Venice, Mar Vista and Cheviot Hills, with regular family updates
- Case management to coordinate treatment and keep the family informed
- Mentoring for life skills, work and school
- Monitoring and aftercare for accountability and peace of mind
With your loved one’s permission, our team shares regular progress updates, so you are never left guessing. You can also read our recovery blog for practical guides for families.
Family questions
Is the family support group really free?
Yes. Our virtual family support group is free, meets every other week and is led by a licensed therapist from Blackburn Clinical Services. Call or email us for the schedule and link.
Does my loved one need to be a Blackburn client?
No. Our family support group and family coaching are open to families whether or not their loved one is in treatment or sober living with Blackburn.
What is family coaching?
Family coaching is one-on-one guidance for parents and loved ones. A coach helps you understand addiction, set healthy boundaries, communicate more effectively and decide how to help.
My loved one refuses help. What can I do?
You can still get support for yourself, and you can talk with an interventionist about planning a compassionate, structured conversation. Many people who first refuse help later accept it when their family is prepared and united.
Will I get updates if my loved one is in sober living?
Yes. With your loved one’s permission, Blackburn shares regular updates with families and works alongside treatment providers.
How do I take care of myself while a family member struggles?
Get support of your own, through a family group, coaching or therapy. Keep your routines, set boundaries and remember that you cannot control someone else’s recovery, but you can control how you respond.
Talk with our team
Call (888) 305-5422 or email info@blackburnrecoveryservices.com. A member of our team will listen, answer your questions and help you figure out the next step.