News Updates
Vinland Awarded SAMHSA Grant to Address Needs of Families During Treatment and Recovery 
September 16, 2009 - Vinland is pleased to announce that it has received a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to provide family-focused services to chemical health participants and their families.
“Family services have for years been recognized as an integral part of treatment,” Associate Director Duane Reynolds said. “It is about creating positive change in family systems.”
Families play an important role in recovery from substance abuse. Studies have shown that sustained recovery from substance abuse is more successful when the entire family is involved in the treatment process. It is important for families to learn the facts about addiction and recovery so they can understand the challenges their loved one faces, and also so they can find appropriate support networks for themselves.
In an effort to incorporate families at Vinland, the organization has developed a series of family-focused groups and activities. Emphasis for the groups is on family relationships, education about parenting skills, and the development of sober leisure activities to create meaningful family and personal relationships.
“This grant money will allow Vinland to trial some of the elements in this group of family services, so that we can continue with and improve these services after the grant is complete,” Reynolds said.
Multi-family groups will allow family members to find support through interaction with others in a similar situation. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “multiple-family therapy may help families to normalize and process the feelings of guilt and shame that stem from having a family member with a disability and a substance use disorder.”
The grant will provide funding for four family-focused programs:
- Family Program, a three-part educational series where family members can learn about chemical dependency and the impact on the family.
- Children’s Program, a place where children ages five to 12 can explore their feelings surrounding their parent’s addiction.
- Parenting Skills Program, a weekly six-part educational group that will cover appropriate parenting skills.
- Family Renewal Program, monthly recreational events intended to strengthen family bonds through planned activities.