Family and Children's Programs

Few things adversely affect a family more than the fall out from addiction. It profoundly affects not only the addicted individual, but also the entire family, down to its most vulnerable members - the children. Often,  families do not know how to deal with the disease and can unwittingly contribute to its progressive dysfunction.

In that sense, recovery and healing are most effective when all members of the family are involved in recovery. Through their involvement, families begin to understand the dynamics of the disease and its path for treatment.

That is why Pavillon has a long-standing philosophy of offering, and strongly encouraging, support and education for the entire family.

Patient behaviors change after treatment and this new behavior affects their families. When families learn to properly support their loved ones, they can ease their own suffering and promote total family healing.

The Family Program Provides:

• A much broader understanding of the disease and its impact
• An understanding of the approach to treatment as a road to recovery
• An exploration into family roles that enable dysfunction and other self-defeating patterns of behavior
• Tools to rebuild relationships and develop new attitudes and directions

The Children's Program

Empowering children with healthy living skills is the best prevention. Early intervention and support can protect children, foster understanding and build lifelong resilience. Children equipped with knowledge and awareness about the devastating impact of drugs and alcohol can make better choices.

Over the years, Pavillon has taken an active role in supporting thousands of children across the Carolinas.Children are the focus because they deserve:

• The right to their own recovery and healing
• To be treated with dignity, respect, value and worth
• To be listened to and heard
• The opportunity to just be kids

Children gain information about addiction as a family disease while also learning about their loved one's treatment program. However, having a family member  in treatment is not a requirement for participation.

During the program, children's feelings are validated as they come to know that their experiences are important. They learn about and gain resources that promote their ability to communicate in healthy, productive ways.

Through age-appropriate role-playing, art activities and games, children explore and experience their thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment while learning to develop and practice self-care and life skills that build resiliency.

Key Messages Conveyed:

• You are not alone; there are lots of children living in families like yours
• It's not your fault and help is here for you
• It's important to express your feelings in a healthy way
• People with the disease can and do get better, but recovery takes time

Thanks to a grant by The Duke Endowment that partially underwrites the cost of the program, there is no charge.  The program is appropriate for children ages, six to 14 who have been affected by someone addicted to drugs and/or alcohol.  Children meet in small group sessions on the main campus of Pavillon. All sessions are led by professionals experienced in working with troubled and at-risk children

For more information call 800-392-4808 or e-mail  kids@pavillon.org.