Are you struggling with a loved one, be they a family member or a friend, who you think has a drug, alcohol, or other compulsive behavior problem (gambling, Internet pornography, food, or even overworking)? Have you spent too much time worrying about, losing sleep, or arguing with this person about their behaviors? Do you cover for them to their employers or family when they are too drunk, hung over, or tired to show up? You may have gotten to the point where you feel you must lie to your children about why this person is not there for them. Or perhaps you avoid social or family occasions because the person’s behaviors or situation have become too embarrassing. Alternatively, you may have become accustomed to making sure the person has had a meal before going out so they won’t get too drunk, too soon. Maybe you have tried pouring the bottle down the sink, or flushed their drugs down the toilet, only to have them find out, become enraged, and then binge? Their behaviors may have cost you untold broken promises, unpaid loans, stolen family heirlooms, bail for DUI arrests, or high credit card debt to keep the family afloat.
If any of these events sound familiar, you may be interested in joining a therapeutic support group at PsychChoices for families and friends affected by drug and/or alcohol abuse, and other compulsive behaviors.
This group is being run by Valerie Glauser, LMFT, in practice with PsychChoices for almost 5 years. While she treats a variety of diagnoses in individual, couple and family settings, her great passion and expertise is in working with families of those with alcohol, drug or other compulsive problems, whether or not the individual has chosen to seek or has been successful in the treatment of their condition. She received her Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2000, during which she completed all her internships in a variety of drug and alcohol treatment facilities. Through her training and consequent clinical practice in a variety of settings, she has come to realize that a greatly underserved population is the families and loved ones of those who abuse substances, or have developed compulsive habits that significantly affect their and their families’ lives. Often, these family member feel deeply ashamed and embarrassed by their loved ones, become isolated, and believe they are alone in their struggles with the consequences of their loved ones’ habits.
The reality is that these families are painfully common even as they suffer in isolation, and can greatly benefit from the support of each other and a trained facilitator in a non-judgmental, confidential setting.
If you choose to join this group, you will receive both the support of others in similar situations, along with the guidance of a knowledgeable facilitator who together, can help relieve the dreadful stigma you bear, while you learn coping, safety, and empowerment skills that can help you get back some peace of mind, while increasing the probability that the troubled person will seek the help they need.
Your insurance may cover group treatment. Alternatively, we will establish a reasonable fee for those who are not covered.
If you are interested in joining this group, please speak to your therapist or medication provider. You can also call Valerie Glauser at 610-626-8085 extension 207, or email us at generalinfo@psychchoices.com with your contact information.
