Family Program starts on Thursday.

[malibu]

It's an all-day, four day long program at the treatment center that H is at. What can I expect? I am guessing it will be fairly intense; I'm very shy in public in front of people I don't know and I would probably melt on the floor if they ask me to talk to strangers about the things I've kept from my friends for so long.

They've given me an itinerary of the four days and what generally goes on during the days, but I'm more curious how involved I'll have to be for some of the smaller group sessions.

[flex]

I've only been to one "family" event when my son was in in-patient treatment. I remember that one of the counselors gave a presentation to the family members on the Steps and such. She later became my sponsor--she's been sober 36 years. Anyway, we also had a mock AA meeting (since the treatment program is not "AA"). We formed a circle and everyone had a chance to talk if they chose to. If they didn't want to say anything that was perfectly okay and the person sitting next to them had an opportunity to share.

[partiallysunny]

Good Luck malibu

[btay]

It is mostly lecture followed by small group discussions of the lecture. There is a counselor in every small group to offer some guidance but the bulk of the talking is everyone sharing. I was extremely intimidated at first but the fact that everyone there is going through it makes it a lot easier to open up. There is like a halfish hour time in the afternoon where you are welcome to visit with your spouse if he is up for it. After dinner you will go to the speaker meeting with everyone in treatment and then come back for a quick debriefing before going home. The evening part is optional so if you get overwhelmed you can skip it, but the speaker meetings are pretty amazing so I would try to attend if possible.

[aba]

Hi Malibu,

I've been through 2 "family weeks" while previously in treatment. They tend to be really intense and honestly, rather uncomfortable, but in the end worth it. 

The last one I participated in involved some lectures, individual family sessions and a time when all the patients read a letter to their families. The letter was basically an honest overview of the person's struggle, an apology and explanation. Again, this was VERY uncomfortable, but once everything is out in the open it is a big weight off of everyone's shoulders.  

[btay]

Hope the first day went well

[mel]

Good luck! I hope the first day went well for you.