These questions, asked by friends and families, are answered by Daytop Family Association members
What is the Family Association?
- 1. What does the DAYTOP Family Association (DFA) do?
- The DFA provides a place where people with a substance abuser in their life can get support and education from others with similar issues. We have been providing this services for over 40 years.
- 2. What can I expect to get out of these meetings?
- In the DFA weekly group meetings you can expect to get support in a non−judgmental, safe and confidential environment where you can discuss your fears and concerns, and get help finding your individual answers.
- 3. Who runs the support groups? DAYTOP staff and professionals?
- Groups are facilitated by family members, along with a few consultants who are graduates of the DAYTOP program.
- 4. What are the qualifications of group facilitators?
- Group facilitators are experienced members of the Daytop Family Association who have completed a 12−week training course and receive support from senior DFA members, the Director of DAYTOP Family Association Services and other staff.
- 5. Are there any fees involved with participation in the DFA?
- There are nominal fees, and these are based on ability to pay.
- 6. Do you offer one-on-one meetings?
- One−on−one meetings are not part of the general program; but may be arranged if there is a specific need.
- 7. Does the DFA offer intervention?
- The DFA offers support and education to help you decide your best options.
Who Goes and Why
- 8. Who are these support groups for?
- These groups are for anyone who has a person in their life with a substance abuse problem.
- 9. I’m not the addict, why should I come to group meetings?
- DFA groups meetings help family members deal with their own issues and behavior. This helps them better cope with the addict, and if the addict is in treatment, increases the success rate for recovery.
- 10. What else does the DFA offer me besides support group involvement?
- The support offered in DFA groups is meant primarily to get one’s own life back in control. If you decide to become active in the program, there are social activities and periodic retreats, and some volunteer to assist in the running of the Association but that is entirely up to the individual.
- 11. Do you have to have a family member or friend in Daytop to attend meetings?
- No, you do not.
- 12. Will my loved one be in attendance at these meetings?
- DFA meetings are not for the substance abuser. They are for the family members and significant others affected by the problem. Anyone who interacts with the addict on a regular basis is encouraged to attend, no matter the relationship.
- 13. How long do I have to attend these meetings?
- The meetings are there for as long as you feel they are providing you with help and support.
Where and When
- 14. How many facilities are there?
- There are 8 locations where Family groups meet: Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Rockland, Westchester, and Suffolk.
- 15. Do you hold groups during the day?
- Not at this time.
Other Family Concerns
- 16. How can I help my loved one who needs treatment, but denies any problem with drinking or drug abuse and does not want to hear about treatment?
- This question doesn’t have a quick answer; it depends on the individuals and their situations. By attending DFA meetings, you can learn about methods that have worked for others, while getting support for making changes.
- 17. How can I convince other family members our loved one has a problem?
- This requires an individual answer. By attending DFA meetings you can learn what others did, and receive support in reaching your own answers. You can also invite other family members to attend themselves.
- 18. How long will my loved one be in treatment?
- Treatment is based on the individual’s needs, which are determined by Daytop staff evaluation.