Healthy Families are the Best Medicine for Youth
If you’re a family in need of help, MDFT doesn't engage in fault-finding. Through individual and family sessions, your child will learn coping and problem-solving skills as well as alternatives to substance use and delinquency. Your family will communicate more effectively, function better day-to-day, and ultimately grow stronger.
Find Help
Read 5 Essential Lessons for Parents of Substance-Abusing Teens by MDFT International Director Gayle Dakof, PhD for tips on understanding and coping with your teen's substance use.
Contact an MDFT program in your area to consult with a trained and certified family therapist.
Call the toll-free helpline at the Partnership to End Addiction to speak to a parent specialist at 1-855-DRUGFREE (1-855-378-4373) or text 55753. They are licensed social workers and psychologists with years of experience helping individuals and their families prevent and overcome substance abuse problems. Services are available in English and Spanish.
The SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP (4357)), also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service, is a free, 24/7, information service in English and Spanish, for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The service provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.
The Addiction Center provide free, online information on the health effects, dangers and treatment options regarding family addiction. Their helpline specialists (1-855-706-9275) offer referrals to treatment and rehab facilities based on location, budget, and specific needs.
For Connecticut youth and families, the Live Loud and Live Loud Families offer information about opioid addiction, treatment, and local resources.
What MDFT parents are saying
“Years ago, when my own adolescent son was struggling with heroin addiction, all I knew to do was place him in inpatient treatment (time and time again) where we spent hundreds upon thousands of dollars trying to save him. Most of his 20 some rehabs offered the 12 Step program, group counseling and once a week individual sessions (if at all) for my teen's serious and life threatening addiction. Something always seemed "missing" or lacking in Justin's treatment plans for he kept relapsing.
If only we had been offered MDFT early on, how this intervention might have shortened the many years of illness that plagued my son. I firmly believe this treatment could have saved us years of anguish and provided healing and recovery much quicker in Justin's long suffering journey.”
— Lea Minalga
CADC, Executive Director of Hearts of Hope in St. Charles, IL
“She has been actively participating with our family, behaving well and respectfully, does household chores and offers to do things like watch the boys for me. Kelsey seems happier, has less "edge" and rude commentary in general. She can be easily redirected. She is actively looking for a job and is considering options to finish HS. She is back to the funny, bossy (in a much better way!) girl she used to be. I enjoy her again. We can do things together and even disagree in an adult way without the drama of the past.... She has revealed much to me and we have become much closer.”
— Tricia MDFT Mom
Read Tricia’s whole letter