Members are all going through life transitions. The first and enduring benefit of the group is giving and receiving much needed support. Members come to realize that they are not alone in their efforts to make their lives rich and worthwhile. There is also a psychoeducational component. This includes possible stages in major life changes, what their effects may be on the individual and those close to them, and how to weather such changes on all levels: cognitively, emotionally, and spiritually. Concrete action steps are also woven into the group's task. The group itself becomes a meaningful part of life.

The group is generally composed of family members of a drug abuser (active or in recovery). It is also open friends, co-workers, etc. This is a psychoeducational group--covering information around drugs themselves (types, dosage, dependence and abuse, psychosocial aspects, interventions, withdrawal and recovery stages). It also covers family dynamics, family systems and intergenerational history. Additionally the group provides members with strong support and validation for their experiences in the context of drug abuse and family. Finally, the group members create a safe environment in which to see the issues clearly and work to resolve them with concrete action steps.

The group includes parents as well as other caregivers of children ages 4-18. There is a strong psychoeducational component. Parents are taught what the basic needs of children are (secure attachment, autonomy, identity, relationship building) and what may happen if these are not met. Depending on their age, children will misbehave in different ways--all in an effort to direct attention to their unmet needs. Parents will understand the logic behind their children's apparent misbehavior. The group will also provide a forum for exploring what works to improve not only children's development but also their relationship with parents.