Minneapolis’ & St. Paul’s Preferred Family Education Program for Drug & Alcohol Addiction

Any family member or friend of a current or former Burkwood client, whether from our residential or intensive outpatient program (IOP), is welcome to participate in our family education program. Clients are not present during sessions, which can allow families to engage freely in open, honest discussions about their personal experiences, concerns, and hopes for the future. Professional counselors encourage meaningful conversations that can help families better understand addiction and the recovery process.

You don’t need to be an expert on recovery or have any prior experience with addiction care to benefit from these sessions. The family education program is open to anyone who wants to better identify their role in the healing process, build stronger relationships, and contribute positively to their loved one’s recovery journey.

Participants in the family education program attend group sessions, which are led by compassionate counselors who understand the challenges families may face when a loved one has an addiction. Sessions are held every third Wednesday of the month from 5-7 p.m. at our IOP location on Outpost Circle, with a Zoom option available for anyone who prefers to join remotely.

Family members and friends in our program can expect to gain a well-rounded understanding of the science of addiction, which can help reduce stigma and replace frustration with empathy. Sessions cover essential topics, such as improving communication skills, defining healthy boundaries, and navigating the ups and downs of recovery. Participants can also learn how to manage their own emotions, practice self-care, and foster strong relationships with their loved ones.

This group format offers more than just a setting to gain information and ask questions. It provides a welcoming space where clients’ family members and close friends can connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. During sessions, which are led by experienced staff members, families are encouraged to participate in open discussions while receiving professional guidance and learning practical ways to improve their emotional well-being.

The material is presented in an approachable way, making complex topics like post-acute withdrawal syndrome, enabling versus helping, and the importance of community support more accessible for participants. Families can leave each session with skills, resources, and the confidence to walk alongside their loved one as they work toward long-term recovery.

Counselors may lead discussions on the following topics during sessions:

• Understanding addiction as a disease
• Setting healthy boundaries
• The difference between enabling and helping
• The value of self-care
• Aftercare recommendations
• Lower levels of care following residential programming
• Symptoms of post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS)
• Navigating codependency and promoting independence
• The role of Al-Anon and how it can support family members
• Discussing addiction with children in age-appropriate ways
• Mental health disorders compared with addictions as primary diagnoses
• What to expect when a loved one returns home after receiving care
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and the importance of community in long-term recovery

For families and friends of individuals who are struggling with addiction, having access to clear information and receiving compassionate guidance can make a significant difference in how they support their loved one. Learning to view addiction as a disease, and not as a choice or weakness, can help people reduce blame and create a foundation of empathy.

By exploring these topics during sessions, families can learn how to care for themselves while encouraging their loved one on their recovery journey. Discussions about aftercare resources; peer groups like Al-Anon, AA, and NA; and what to expect during the transition home can help families feel more prepared and connected. Having these conversations can also help people rebuild strained relationships and learn ways to strengthen communication skills and emotional resilience.

New participants are welcome in the program at any time, and many people find it helpful to return for additional sessions as their loved one progresses in their recovery.

A person’s decision to seek care can be the beginning of a new chapter for both them and their family. Their recovery journey can stir up a wide range of emotions for the people closest to them, from hope and relief to fear, guilt, or frustration. At Burkwood Treatment Center, we understand how complex these emotions can be and how important it is to help families as they face these changes.

Families may feel overwhelmed or isolated as they try to help their loved one manage the symptoms of addiction. We believe in empowering families to grow together in our family education program. Our clinical staff is committed to creating a nonjudgmental, inclusive space where every voice is heard and every story is honored.

Key benefits of participating in our family education program may include:

• Improved understanding of addiction and recovery: Gain a clearer picture of what your loved one is experiencing and what lies ahead, helping you feel more informed and confident.
• Stronger family bonds: Learn how to reconnect with your loved one in a way in which you can support them in their healing while taking care of your own well-being.
• Better communication skills: Learn how to listen actively, set realistic expectations, and express your emotions.
• Community support: Meet other people who may be facing similar challenges, giving you an opportunity to form meaningful connections.
• Tools for self-care: Learn how to identify and meet your own emotional needs.
• Empowerment through education: Leave each session with practical tools you can use both in your home and within your community.

 

These benefits can have a lasting impact on families as they grow in their understanding of addiction and develop new skills. Connecting with others who may have had similar experiences can help clients’ families and friends feel less isolated, giving them reassurance and renewed hope during what may be a challenging time.

Families also have the opportunity to learn about continuing care options and prepare for the changes that can come when a loved one transitions back to their daily routine after leaving our hospital. This includes information about lower levels of care, community-based services, and peer support groups for families, such as Al-Anon. By participating in the family education program, families can take steps toward creating a more stable environment where recovery can progress.

At Burkwood Treatment Center, we know that taking part in a family program can feel overwhelming at first. Talking openly about addiction, defining clear boundaries, and working through difficult emotions are not easy tasks. That is why we are committed to creating a welcoming, judgment-free setting where families and close friends of clients can feel secure, respected, and uplifted throughout the process.

Family education program sessions are held at our IOP location at 594 Outpost Circle, Suite D/E, Hudson, Wisconsin, just east of Minneapolis. This peaceful, accessible space can give our clients’ families a place to step away from the distractions of daily life and focus on healing, education, and connection. You don’t have to have all the answers — you just have to be willing to show up. We’ll meet you where you are, walk beside you on the path to understanding, and help you take significant strides toward healing, both as individuals and as a family.

If you are ready to begin the healing process and be a source of support for your loved one as they work toward recovery, reach out to us today. Our knowledgeable team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to answer your questions and help you take the next step.