Addiction is a disease that affects the entire family. Parents and siblings experience consequences of their loved one's alcohol or other drug use just as much as the young people themselves. Studies show that recovery is stronger and more effective when family members are educated and involved in the addiction recovery process. At Hazelden, we involve parents and siblings in that process during special four-day programs at our Center for Youth and Families (CYF) in Plymouth, Minn: the Parent Program, offered weekly; and the Sibling Program, offered every three weeks.

The program provides a foundation of education, support and practical tools to empower siblings as they journey on the path of family recovery.

A powerful tool of the Sibling Program is the support brothers and sisters will receive from other siblings that have family members dealing with similar situations. This intimate peer contact combined with the licensed professionals at CYF, provides a positive and affirming experience. The program is open to all siblings, whether or not they have a brother or sister that is currently in alcohol or drug addiction treatment at Hazelden.

The program is offered once every three weeks and runs four consecutive days, Sunday afternoon through Wednesday evening. The schedule is designed to run concurrently with the Parent Program so parents and siblings can attend respective programs at the same time.* Siblings can also attend that do not have a parent(s) in the Parent Program. (Approved on an individual basis).

Through lectures, videos, small-group discussions with other siblings, participants gain knowledge and practical skills to support the addiction recovery process. Siblings will:

• Understand the disease of addiction and it's impact on the family
• Learn about the effects of alcohol and drug use on their siblings
• Build strength and foster resilience in siblings of addicted young people
• Gain support through interaction with other siblings, and realize the benefits of establishing a support network
• Learn how to be supportive of their brother or sister when they return home from treatment
• Plan for continued self care and recovery

Location - Hazelden's Center for Youth and Families, Plymouth, Minnesota

2009 Program dates: 

• December 27 - 30

2010 Program dates: 

• January 17 - 20
• February 7 - 10
• February 28 - March 3
• March 14 - 17
• March 28 - 31
• April 18 - 21
• May 9 - 12
• May 30 - June 2
• June 20 - 23

For more information, call us toll-free any day, any time at 800-257-7810 (outside US, call 651-213-4200). Or you may email your questions to info@hazelden.org. 

*The Sibling Program is offered once every three weeks and the Parent Program is offered weekly. To schedule a time to participate in either the Parent Program or Sibling Program, please contact the Hazelden Counselor that is working with your son or daughter or your sibling.

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