Home | Programs | Family Program

Family Program

Empowering loved ones to join the recovery process

Benefits

Benefits of Wayside’s Family Program

Education

Participants are provided learning materials specific to the experience of having a loved one in recovery.

Family Sessions

Loved ones are invited to participate in treatment and transition planning via two in-person sessions.

Accountability and Integration

Improve relationships by applying support and accountability strategies in the context of your loved one’s personal recovery journey. 

Support Groups

Facilitated discussions on topics relevant to loved ones of those living with substance use disorder.

Community Involvement

Join our larger community of care by attending Wayside House events and outings. 

Program Overview

Healing families through education, support and collaboration

We know how difficult it can be to support a struggling loved one. Our Family Program addresses the most common challenges faced by the families of men in recovery.

Family Program Structure

Admission

While developing their treatment plan, Live-In Program participants can invite their family members and other loved ones into the Family Program. Family participants are given an overview of the program and introductions are made with the clinical staff. 

“Wayside means a safe place of transition into a new life full of hope, love and wellness. It is the space where vanity turns into grace and healing happens.
Wayside brings light to individuals, families and communities.”
– family member of participant

Education

Family Program participants are provided a collection of materials on the addictive, recovery and relapse processes as well as post-acute withdrawal syndrome and interpersonal dynamics. Wayside staff are available to provide clarification and recommendations for further reading to program participants.

“To me, Wayside represents a safe, nurturing, effective place for recovery. Wayside treats not only an addict’s body but their mind and soul which gives them and their families hope of long term success. Whenever I am in contact with the people there, it is clearly a place driven by caring and love with a whole lot of experience mixed in.”
– family member of participant

Support

In two facilitated sessions, Live-In Program participants outline the details of their treatment and transition plans to their loved ones, with a focus on expected challenges and opportunities for support and collaboration.

“Wayside taught me what real meaningful relationships are about. How to deal with life on life’s terms without giving up and how to love myself again. I really owe the life I have to them. I am truly grateful.”

Aftercare

Just like the Live-In Program, support for families continues after the core Family Program is completed. Participants are welcome to engage our clinical staff as needed for specific support as it pertains to their loved one’s ongoing recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Family Program is accessible to anyone that a Live-In Program participant wishes to include. This can extend beyond blood relations to friends, partners and caregivers.

  • No. Our family programming is centered around education and support. Referrals to external counseling services may be available depending on needs identified during the program.

  • No. Our Family Program is currently only available to the loved ones of Wayside House clients; however, education materials are available to everyone through our website.

  • Yes. Support sessions can be held virtually and the educational materials can be accessed remotely.

Still have questions?

Visit our FAQ Page

Connect with a Dedicated Staff Member

Certifications & Funding

Wayside House of Hamilton is funded by the Ministry of Health and the generous support of our community partners. We are a proud member of Addictions & Mental Health Ontario, an integrated system of 150 service providers across the province. We have been accredited by the Canadian Centre for Accreditation since 2016, a designation that signifies our commitment to compassionate, quality service.