Where to Turn for Family Crisis Help

When families are in crisis, it is important to know where to go for help. There are a number of unique situations that may require different types of resources in order to cope in a healthy manner. For example, a family trying to support an alcoholic family member will need different resources to turn to than a family trying to recover from infidelity within a marriage. It is a given that any family crisis requires the support of professional counselors and the family’s support system. No family in crisis should ever be without these things. Families going through strife together should always have a professional counselor for objectivity and expert navigation through problems. They should also reach out to friends and extended family for additional support. Apart from these universal therapies, some other resources that apply to specific situations are listed below.

• Addiction or substance abuse. Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are two long established groups that bring substance abusers together to support one another, talk about their struggles and encourage one another’s recoveries. Most cities and towns have organized addiction and substance abuse resources available to the public in the form of rehabs, shelters, counselors personal sponsors and support groups. Addiction treatment centers may be public or private, and can be the most effective solution to addiction and substance abuse. They will frequently offer family counseling services as well.
• Domestic violence. Domestic violence is a very urgent family crisis to remedy. It can lead to permanent physical injury as well as permanent emotional injury. If the physical effects of domestic violence have been severe, the hospital is the first resource to take advantage of. In some situations, it is appropriate to file a police report, but in other situations, different measures are called for. Domestic violence shelters are an excellent resource for people who need immediate safety, and counselors and support groups are excellent resources for people in recovery.
• Infidelity, fighting, and mental disorders. Other family crisis should seek the services of professional counselors and support groups in order to begin the healing process that is needed after adverse family experiences.