“I was completely overwhelmed and emotionally drained watching someone I love spiral deeper into addiction. I felt helpless, confused, and honestly, heartbroken. TRC’s Family and Friends Support Program was a turning point for me. It didn’t just give me information — it gave me hope. It helped me understand addiction in a way I never had before and showed me that I couldn’t save them by losing myself. I learned how to set boundaries, how to take care of myself, and that it’s okay — even necessary — to protect your own peace while still loving someone who’s struggling. It truly saved me.”
FAMILY & FRIENDS SUPPORT PROGRAM
WHAT IS THE FAMILY & FRIENDS PROGRAM?
It can be incredibly confusing for someone who is not addicted to understand someone else’s addictive behaviour. The Thorpe Recovery Centre (TRC) Family Program is designed specifically for family members to learn new healthy ways to cope with addiction, methods that will promote recovery for both the family and the addict.
The Family Program provides an opportunity for family members to gain a better understanding of the origin of the addiction and current family systems while beginning the process of healing. Participants learn how to communicate better and set appropriate boundaries. Families and clients working together in recovery foster the healing process and will bring the family closer together. This has been proven to be a significant factor in long-term healing and recovery.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
You do not need a loved one in the Thorpe Recovery Centre residential treatment to attend the Family Program. The Family Program is designed for:
• Anyone whose life has been affected by someone else’s addiction
• Anyone who wants to learn how to support someone in recovery
• Professionals looking for information on addiction and the family
• Anyone who wants to look after themselves while in a relationship with an addict
• Spouses
• Adult Children
• Parents/Grandparents
• Extended Family
• Friends
• Employers
• Coworkers
• Social Service Workers
WHEN SHOULD I ATTEND?
You are welcome to attend any of our monthly Family Programs. If you have a loved one in treatment at TRC, attending near the end of their programming is best. Once your loved one is admitted into TRC, it is important that you consult your loved one’s counsellor to determine the optimal dates and register for the Family Program.
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
When living with someone struggling with addiction, it’s essential to take care of your own well-being first. Prioritizing your own health and emotional needs allows you to support others more effectively and sustainably.
The Family Program will support you in your recovery journey through the following topics:
• Addictive Disorders
• Boundaries
• Co-Dependency
• Communication
• Enabling
• Family Dynamics & Orign
• Grief
• Recovery Community (A.A., N.A., CoDA)
• Recovery Planning
ADMISSIONS
The admissions team is ready to help and provide information by phone and email. They will speak with you to help determine the situation, funding options, addiction history and health status of the potential client. Admissions requests can be made by individuals, family members, physicians, employers, and addiction counsellors. Thorpe Recovery Centre has a rolling admission structure that schedules intakes Monday-Friday at 8:30 AM.
This means that clients begin treatment as soon as funding is established, and a bed is available.
