Navigating the Journey: A Comprehensive Guide to Supporting a Loved One Through Addiction Recovery

Supporting a loved one as they navigate the often tumultuous waters of addiction recovery feels like undertaking a marathon, doesn’t it? It’s undeniably one of the most challenging, emotionally demanding, yet profoundly essential roles a family member can embrace. This isn’t just about offering a shoulder to cry on; it’s about active, informed participation in a complex process. Addiction, we’re learning more and more, isn’t a moral failing or a simple lack of willpower; it’s a chronic disease, deeply rooted in neurobiology and often intertwined with environmental and psychological factors. So, when someone you care about begins their journey toward sobriety, your support, shaped by understanding and genuine strategy, can truly be their compass.

I’ve seen firsthand, both in my professional life and through friends’ experiences, the immense strain and incredible resilience that defines this path. It’s tough, sometimes heart-wrenching, but with the right tools and mindset, you can provide the meaningful support that helps light their way. Here’s a detailed, actionable guide, designed to empower you.

1. Educate Yourself About Addiction: Beyond the Surface

Understanding what you’re up against is always the very first, and perhaps most critical, step toward effective support. We can’t just operate on assumptions or outdated notions, you know? Addiction isn’t merely a ‘bad habit’ someone can just snap out of; it’s a complex, chronic disease that fundamentally alters the brain’s chemistry and function, impacting behavior, motivation, memory, and even decision-making. When you truly grasp the biological and psychological underpinnings of addiction, you replace judgment with empathy, and frustration with informed, strategic approaches.

Think about it this way: would you blame someone with diabetes for needing insulin? Or someone with asthma for needing an inhaler? Probably not, right? Addiction, in many ways, is similar; it’s a medical condition requiring professional intervention and ongoing management. Learning about the neurobiology – how dopamine pathways are hijacked, how the brain’s reward system becomes rewired, leading to compulsive seeking despite negative consequences – this helps reframe the narrative entirely. It moves beyond ‘why can’t they just stop?’ to ‘what do they need to heal and manage this disease?’ You might delve into the different types of substances and their specific impacts, the stages of addiction, and the common triggers. This isn’t just academic; it’s intensely practical knowledge.

For instance, take Sarah, whose older brother, Tom, had been wrestling with alcohol addiction for years. Initially, Sarah was a swirling storm of emotions: anger at his broken promises, resentment over the chaos his addiction brought, and deep, gnawing fear for his future. She saw his relapses as personal betrayals, feeling hurt and frustrated beyond measure. Their conversations often devolved into shouting matches or stony silences, leaving both feeling utterly defeated. It was a suffocating cycle. Then, a mutual friend, who’d been through a similar experience, gently suggested she attend a local educational workshop on addiction, specifically designed for family members. Reluctantly, Sarah went.

What she discovered there was transformative. The neurologists and therapists explained the disease model of addiction, breaking down how alcohol had literally rewired Tom’s brain, making it incredibly difficult, almost impossible, for him to simply ‘choose’ sobriety in moments of craving. They talked about co-occurring mental health disorders, about trauma, about the societal pressures and genetic predispositions that often intertwine with substance use. Suddenly, a light flickered on. Tom’s struggles weren’t a deliberate slight against her or their family; they were symptoms of a profound illness. This deeper understanding didn’t erase her pain, not by a long shot, but it fundamentally shifted her perspective. It allowed her to approach him with a newfound empathy, a quiet determination to support the person trapped by the disease, rather than just reacting to the disease’s destructive manifestations. This insight was the bedrock upon which all their future interactions were built.

2. Establish Healthy Boundaries: Protecting Yourself and Promoting Accountability

Setting clear, compassionate boundaries isn’t just crucial; it’s an act of self-preservation and, paradoxically, one of the most loving things you can do for your loved one. Without well-defined boundaries, you risk inadvertently enabling their addictive behaviors, becoming entangled in the destructive cycle yourself, and ultimately, burning out. Boundaries create a safe, predictable structure, not just for you, but for them as well, encouraging them to take genuine responsibility for their own actions and choices.

Think about the countless ways addiction can erode a family: the late-night calls for money, the excuses, the broken promises, the emotional manipulation that can feel like a relentless tide. It’s exhausting, isn’t it? Boundaries draw a clear line in the sand, communicating what you will and won’t accept, what you will and won’t do. They aren’t punishments; they are limits designed to protect your well-being, maintain your sanity, and prevent you from becoming part of the problem. This can be incredibly hard, especially when your loved one is in distress, but remember, true help often means not rescuing them from the natural consequences of their choices. Sometimes, allowing them to hit rock bottom, safely, can be the most powerful catalyst for change.

For example, if your loved one calls, desperate for money, it’s vital to pause and consider the context. Is this money truly for a vital recovery-related expense, or is it likely to be diverted to support their addiction? Saying ‘no’ to giving money, or to bailing them out of a self-inflicted crisis, doesn’t mean you love them any less. Quite the opposite, actually. It means you’re not enabling the very behavior you want them to overcome. It’s about detaching with love, a concept often explored in family support groups like Al-Anon. You might say something like, ‘I love you, and I want to support your recovery, but I can’t give you money for that right now. However, I can help you find a support meeting, or I can drive you to a clinic if that’s what you need.’ This shifts the focus from enabling to empowering. Establishing boundaries also extends to your time and emotional energy. You might decide you won’t engage in conversations if they’re under the influence, or that you won’t accept disrespectful language. It’s okay, and frankly, essential, to protect your peace. It’s your right.

3. Encourage Professional Help: Guiding Them Towards Specialized Care

While your love and support are invaluable, professional treatment is almost always a non-negotiable component for lasting recovery. Addiction is a medical condition, and like any serious illness, it requires specialized care from trained professionals. Your role here shifts from sole caregiver to informed advocate and supportive guide, encouraging your loved one to seek help from addiction specialists, therapists, counselors, or support groups. Your willingness to stand by them, to even help them navigate the intimidating landscape of treatment options, can make a monumental difference in their willingness to embark on and stick with professional help.

There’s a wide spectrum of professional help available, and understanding these options can empower you to guide your loved one effectively. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, you know? It might start with medical detox, a crucial first step for many, where they can safely withdraw from substances under medical supervision. Then there are various levels of care: inpatient residential treatment, which offers a highly structured, immersive environment; outpatient programs (IOP or PHP) that provide intensive therapy while allowing the individual to live at home; individual therapy (like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy), which helps individuals identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms; family therapy, which we’ll delve into more later; and medication-assisted treatment (MAT), particularly for opioid or alcohol use disorders, which combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies. Understanding these pathways means you can suggest the most appropriate avenues rather than just a generic ‘get help.’

Remember Sarah and Tom? After Sarah’s profound shift in understanding, she knew nagging Tom about ‘getting sober’ wasn’t going to work. Instead, she approached him gently, yet firmly. She didn’t say, ‘You need to go to rehab.’ Instead, she said, ‘Tom, I’m genuinely worried about you, and I want to see you happy and healthy again. I’ve been doing some research, and there are incredible professionals who truly understand what you’re going through. Would you be willing to just meet with a therapist with me, just for one session, to talk about what’s going on?’ Initially, Tom was hesitant, as expected. The idea of ‘therapy’ felt like admitting defeat, perhaps, or facing uncomfortable truths. But Sarah offered to attend the initial consultation with him, ensuring he wouldn’t face it alone. That gesture, that quiet solidarity, made all the difference. He agreed, somewhat reluctantly at first, but those joint sessions, facilitated by a skilled therapist, became a critical turning point. It wasn’t just about Tom getting help; it was about opening a dialogue, validating his struggles, and creating a safe space for him to begin unpacking years of pain and self-medication.

4. Practice Self-Care: Fueling Your Own Resilience

This one is absolutely non-negotiable. Supporting someone through the labyrinth of addiction recovery is an incredibly draining endeavor, both emotionally and physically. You can’t pour from an empty cup, right? Neglecting your own well-being is a fast track to burnout, resentment, and a diminished capacity to help anyone, including your loved one. Think of it like this: on an airplane, they always tell you to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. This isn’t selfish; it’s practical. It ensures you have the capacity to continue providing support, a necessity for a long-term journey like recovery.

It’s easy to get caught up in the loved one’s struggles, to let their crisis become your crisis, but that’s a dangerous path. The constant worry, the emotional roller coaster of hope and despair, the feeling of helplessness – it can all weigh you down like a heavy cloak. You might find yourself neglecting friendships, hobbies, or even basic needs like sleep and healthy eating. This is compassion fatigue setting in, and it’s a real danger. So, what does self-care look like in this context? It’s not just bubble baths and chocolate, although those are lovely! It’s about establishing consistent practices that genuinely rejuvenate you.

Engage in activities that truly feed your soul, that allow you to step away, even if just for a short while, from the intense focus on addiction. For some, it might be regular exercise – a brisk walk in nature, a challenging run, or a calming yoga session. For others, it’s nurturing creative outlets: painting, writing, playing an instrument. Maintaining your social connections is also crucial; don’t isolate yourself. Spend time with friends and family who uplift you and allow you to talk about things other than addiction. Seek professional support for yourself if you need it – a therapist or counselor who can help you process your own feelings and develop coping strategies. Maybe it’s just quiet meditation, or reading a good book that transports you. The key is to actively schedule and prioritize these moments, making them as important as any appointment.

Sarah, for instance, learned this lesson the hard way. Early on, she was so consumed by Tom’s issues that her own life started to shrink. She found herself constantly on edge, her own well-being eroding. Through her support group, she heard others speak about the necessity of self-care, and it was a revelation. She started by committing to 20 minutes of yoga every morning, a practice that helped her quiet the frantic thoughts racing through her mind and ground her body. She also took up journaling, pouring out her anxieties, fears, and even small triumphs onto the page. These weren’t extravagant acts, but they were consistent, deliberate choices to tend to her own emotional garden. These practices didn’t magically solve Tom’s problems, but they provided Sarah with a vital reservoir of strength and resilience, enabling her to be a much more stable and positive support system for him, rather than another stressed-out participant in his turmoil.

5. Join Support Groups: Finding Strength in Shared Journeys

Feeling isolated when a loved one is struggling with addiction is incredibly common, and honestly, it’s one of the most insidious side effects of the disease. The shame, the secrecy, the sheer weight of it all can lead you to withdraw from others. That’s why connecting with others who are facing similar challenges isn’t just helpful; it’s a lifeline. Support groups offer a unique, safe space where you can share your experiences without judgment, learn invaluable coping strategies, and realize you are absolutely not alone in this often-confounding journey. This sense of community is profoundly healing.

There are numerous organizations dedicated to supporting families impacted by addiction, such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and SMART Recovery for Families. These groups are built on principles of shared experience, strength, and hope. Walking into that first meeting can feel daunting, a bit vulnerable perhaps. But imagine stepping into a room where everyone instinctively understands the subtle nuances of your pain, the particular flavor of your worries. No need for lengthy explanations; they just get it. That shared understanding alone can be a powerful balm.

In these groups, you’ll hear stories that mirror your own, and you’ll encounter individuals who are further along on their journey, offering wisdom and practical advice gleaned from lived experience. You might learn about ‘detaching with love,’ about the ‘three Cs’ (you didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it, and you can’t control it), or about the importance of focusing on your own recovery, not just theirs. It’s a place to process your emotions, vent your frustrations, and gain new perspectives on addiction and recovery. It helps to peel back the layers of guilt, anger, and fear that often cling to family members. These aren’t therapy sessions, exactly, but rather peer-led discussions that foster mutual support and education.

Sarah, after her initial educational workshop, found herself drawn to a local Al-Anon meeting. Walking in that first time, her heart was thrumming a nervous beat. But as she listened, really listened, to others share their struggles with a loved one’s addiction, a wave of relief washed over her. It was like finally exhaling after holding her breath for years. She heard stories of relapse, of hope, of setting boundaries that felt impossible at first. Sharing her own experiences, the raw frustration, the deep love, the crushing fear, in a room full of empathetic strangers, felt like a heavy burden lifting from her shoulders. She realized the isolation she’d felt was common, and that there was incredible power in communal healing. The practical advice she gleaned, the emotional validation she received, and the profound sense of belonging she developed within that community not only helped her navigate Tom’s recovery but profoundly impacted her own well-being.

6. Communicate Openly and Honestly: Building Bridges, Not Walls

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any healthy relationship, and it becomes even more critical when navigating the complexities of addiction recovery. Open, honest dialogue fosters trust, deepens understanding, and creates a pathway for genuine connection. But let’s be real; talking about addiction can feel like walking through a minefield. Old patterns of blame, shame, and defensiveness often emerge. That’s why cultivating a new way of communicating, one rooted in empathy and directness, is absolutely vital.

First and foremost, aim for a judgment-free zone. Your loved one already carries immense guilt and shame; adding to it with accusatory language will only shut them down. Instead, focus on using ‘I’ statements to express your feelings and concerns without assigning blame. This shifts the focus from ‘you did this’ to ‘this is how I feel.’ For instance, instead of saying, ‘You always lie, and I can’t trust you,’ which immediately puts them on the defensive, try, ‘I feel hurt and worried when I discover information isn’t true, because it makes it difficult for me to trust what’s happening.’ See the difference? It opens the door for constructive dialogue rather than slamming it shut.

Active listening is another powerful tool. This means truly hearing what your loved one is saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak or formulating your rebuttal. Listen to their fears, their struggles, their hopes. Sometimes, they just need to feel heard and validated, even if you don’t agree with everything they say. This doesn’t mean condoning their actions, but it does mean acknowledging their experience. It’s a subtle but profound distinction. Avoid lecturing, nagging, or giving unsolicited advice; these tactics often breed resentment and resistance. Instead, offer support, ask open-ended questions, and co-create solutions whenever possible.

Be prepared for difficult conversations. There will be times when you need to address concerns directly, perhaps about a boundary violation or a perceived setback. Approach these conversations with calm resolve. Choose the right time and place – when both of you are sober, rested, and not under duress. And remember, communication is a two-way street. Encourage your loved one to share their feelings and concerns with you, creating a reciprocal space where vulnerability feels safe. It’s about rebuilding trust, brick by painstaking brick, and that takes consistent, intentional effort from both sides. It won’t be perfect, but it’s a process worth investing in.

7. Celebrate Milestones: Reinforcing Positive Progress

Recovery, as we all know, is rarely a straight line. It’s often a winding, bumpy road filled with both triumphs and setbacks. That’s precisely why it’s so incredibly important to recognize and celebrate your loved one’s achievements, no matter how small they might seem. These milestones aren’t just arbitrary markers; they are powerful affirmations, boosting morale, reinforcing positive behavior, and providing much-needed motivation to continue the challenging work of sobriety. Think of it as positive reinforcement, a way to show them that their hard work is seen, appreciated, and valued.

What constitutes a ‘milestone’? It’s not just 30 days, 60 days, or a year of sobriety, although those are certainly worth celebrating! A milestone can be anything from attending their first support group meeting, completing a therapy session, consistently showing up for work, maintaining a healthy boundary, making amends, or simply having a clear, honest conversation after a period of struggle. It could be a week without a craving, or just choosing to avoid a high-risk situation. The key is to acknowledge the effort and the progress, however incremental.

How do you celebrate? It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. Often, the most meaningful celebrations are simple, genuine, and tailored to your loved one’s preferences. It could be a heartfelt verbal affirmation: ‘I’m so incredibly proud of you for making it to all your meetings this week.’ Or a shared activity that doesn’t involve substances: a favorite meal at home, a movie night, a walk in a beloved park, a game night, or a trip to a museum. The important thing is that the celebration focuses on their continued progress and reinforces the positive changes they are making. It’s crucial to make sure the celebration itself doesn’t inadvertently introduce triggers or tempt them towards old behaviors.

When Tom, after an initial challenging period, celebrated six months of continuous sobriety, Sarah knew this was a significant moment. It wasn’t just a number; it represented six months of daily choices, of resilience against cravings, of consistent engagement in therapy, and of rebuilding trust. Instead of a big party, which might have felt overwhelming or even triggering for Tom, Sarah organized a quiet, meaningful family gathering at home. She cooked his favorite meal, and they spent the evening playing board games, sharing laughter, and simply enjoying each other’s company without any pressure. Towards the end of the evening, Sarah looked at him, her eyes soft with pride, and simply said, ‘Tom, reaching six months is an extraordinary accomplishment. I know how hard you’ve worked for this, and I admire your strength more than words can say. We’re all so incredibly proud of you.’ That acknowledgment, that deep sense of being seen and appreciated, made Tom feel a surge of quiet pride and renewed determination to continue on his path. It solidified for him that this hard work was truly worth it, not just for himself, but for the loving connections he was rebuilding.

8. Be Prepared for Setbacks: Navigating the Bumps in the Road

Here’s a difficult truth, but one we absolutely must confront head-on: recovery is rarely, if ever, a perfectly linear journey. It’s far more accurate to envision it as a winding path, sometimes ascending steeply, sometimes gently sloping, and yes, sometimes hitting unexpected detours, even full-blown relapses. Being prepared for these inevitable bumps in the road, approaching setbacks with patience, understanding, and continued support, is perhaps one of the most crucial elements of long-term successful support. If you expect perfection, you’re setting everyone up for disappointment and potential despair.

A relapse, or even a slip, is not a sign of failure; it’s often a common, albeit painful, part of the recovery process. It doesn’t negate all the progress made up to that point. Instead, it can serve as a vital, albeit harsh, learning experience, highlighting areas where additional support, new strategies, or a different approach might be needed. The key is how you, as a supporter, react. A reaction steeped in anger, blame, or ‘I told you so’ mentality can push your loved one further away, creating shame that might lead to deeper substance use. Conversely, a reaction rooted in empathy, concern, and a focus on getting back on track can be instrumental in turning a setback into a springboard for renewed commitment.

So, what does that look like in practice? When a setback occurs, first, prioritize safety. If a loved one relapses, their physical well-being might be at risk. Then, once immediate safety is addressed, approach the situation calmly. Avoid emotional outbursts, as difficult as that might be in the moment. Instead, reiterate your commitment to their recovery, express your concern, and immediately encourage re-engagement with their support system – their therapist, their sponsor, their support group. This might mean accompanying them to an appointment, or simply being a calm, non-judgmental presence while they call for help. It’s about focusing on the next right step, not dwelling on the ‘failure.’ What can we learn from this? What trigger was missed? What coping strategy needs strengthening?

Tom, after a remarkable year of sobriety, experienced a difficult relapse. It hit him, and Sarah, like a punch to the gut. The weight of worry, which had begun to lift, pressed down on Sarah once more. Her immediate reaction was a wave of despair, a whisper of ‘here we go again.’ But she remembered the lessons from her support group: this wasn’t the end of the world, just a painful detour. Instead of giving up on him, or lashing out, she took a deep breath. She gently reminded Tom of how far he’d come, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. ‘Tom,’ she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her heart, ‘this is a setback, not the end of your journey. You’ve built a strong foundation. What do we need to do to get you back on track? I’m here to help you figure it out.’ She encouraged him to immediately reconnect with his sponsor and therapist, and she offered to attend extra family therapy sessions with him to process what had happened. Her unwavering belief in his potential, even in that dark moment, reminded him that he was still capable of recovery, preventing him from spiraling further into shame and despair. It demonstrated that true support isn’t fair-weather; it endures the storms.

9. Seek Family Therapy: Healing the Entire System

Addiction isn’t a solitary struggle; it’s a systemic illness that profoundly impacts the entire family unit. The ripple effects of substance use can stretch far and wide, creating deep wounds, eroding trust, fostering unhealthy communication patterns, and causing immense emotional distress for everyone involved. That’s why, beyond individual therapy for your loved one, seeking family therapy can be an incredibly powerful, transformative step towards healing the entire system. It’s about recognizing that everyone has been affected, and everyone needs a path toward recovery.

Family therapy isn’t about blaming; it’s about understanding dynamics, improving communication, and rebuilding trust within the family system. A skilled family therapist acts as a neutral facilitator, helping family members express their feelings, needs, and concerns in a safe, structured environment. They can help identify underlying family issues that might be contributing to stress or enabling behaviors, and work to develop healthier ways of interacting. This type of therapy often addresses topics like codependency, boundaries, communication breakdowns, and the lingering resentments that often accumulate over years of living with addiction.

It provides a platform for honest dialogue where each person feels heard and validated. You might learn how to better support your loved one without enabling, and your loved one might gain a deeper understanding of the impact their addiction has had on those closest to them. It’s an opportunity to air grievances, to forgive, and to collaboratively work towards a healthier, more functional family dynamic. It helps re-establish roles and responsibilities that may have been blurred or abandoned during active addiction.

Both Sarah and Tom, at the suggestion of Tom’s individual therapist, eventually attended family therapy sessions together. These sessions weren’t always easy; there were tears, moments of frustration, and uncomfortable truths laid bare. Sarah expressed her years of fear and resentment, and Tom, in turn, shared the profound shame and helplessness he’d felt, often hiding behind the substance. The therapist skillfully guided them, helping them translate raw emotion into understandable needs. They learned active listening skills, how to validate each other’s feelings even when they disagreed, and most importantly, how to work together as a united front against the addiction, rather than being fractured by it. These sessions didn’t just mend their relationship; they fundamentally strengthened their bond, providing them with communication tools they continue to use to this day, well beyond the initial recovery phase.

10. Maintain Hope and Positivity: The Unseen Power of Belief

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your attitude, your unwavering belief in your loved one’s potential for recovery, can be an incredibly powerful force. It’s not about being naive or ignoring the harsh realities of addiction; it’s about cultivating a hopeful, positive outlook that anchors both you and your loved one through the inevitable ups and downs. Maintaining hope isn’t just a feel-good sentiment; it’s a critical component of resilience and motivation for everyone involved.

Addiction recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, and there will be moments when doubt creeps in, when the future looks uncertain. In those dark moments, your steady belief can be the beacon that guides your loved one back to their own inner strength. It’s about seeing beyond the current struggle to the person you know they can be, the person they are fighting to become. Your positivity acts as a mirror, reflecting their potential back to them, especially when they might feel overwhelmed by shame or despair. This isn’t about pretending everything is fine when it’s not, but about focusing on progress, celebrating resilience, and affirming their inherent worth.

Cultivating this positive outlook involves actively focusing on the small victories, remembering past successes, and practicing gratitude. It also means protecting your own mental space from the negativity that can easily infiltrate such a challenging situation. Surround yourself with supportive people, draw strength from your support groups, and lean on your self-care practices. Believe in their capacity for change, even when they struggle to believe in themselves. Your belief can become contagious, igniting their own flicker of hope.

Sarah’s unwavering belief in Tom’s potential, even through his devastating relapse, played a pivotal role in his ultimate, sustained recovery. She didn’t dismiss his struggles, but she also never stopped seeing the strong, kind, capable man beneath the layers of addiction. Her quiet encouragement, her consistent presence, and her refusal to give up on him, even when he faltered, spoke volumes. It was her steady, loving faith that inspired him to pick himself up, dust himself off, and recommit to his journey countless times. She understood that while she couldn’t recover for him, she could absolutely be the light that reminded him of the path forward. And in the long run, that made all the difference.

Concluding Thoughts: A Journey of Shared Growth

Supporting a loved one through addiction recovery is, without a doubt, one of the most profound and demanding experiences you’ll ever undertake. It’s a journey marked by vulnerability, resilience, and immense growth – not just for the individual in recovery, but for you, the family member, as well. It demands patience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to both their well-being and your own. Remember, you don’t have to walk this path alone. There are resources, communities, and professionals ready to offer guidance and support every step of the way.

By arming yourself with knowledge, establishing healthy boundaries, championing professional help, prioritizing your self-care, and maintaining a hopeful perspective, you become more than just a bystander; you become a vital, informed, and compassionate ally. The road ahead may have its challenges, but with dedication and love, you can help build a stronger foundation for lasting recovery, creating a future filled with hope, healing, and genuine connection for everyone involved.

References

• Recovery Research Institute. (n.d.). Guide for Family Members. Retrieved from recoveryanswers.org
• Compassion Behavioral Health. (n.d.). Help for Family Members of Addicts. Retrieved from compassionbehavioralhealth.com
• Square Behavioral Health LLC. (n.d.). Coping Strategies for Families Supporting a Member with Addiction. Retrieved from squarebehavioralhealthllc.com
• Oasis Bradford. (n.d.). 10 Powerful Ways to Support a Family Member in Addiction Recovery. Retrieved from oasisrecovery.org.uk
• RECO Intensive. (n.d.). Supporting Family Recovery: Strategies & Care. Retrieved from recointensive.com