Alcohol and Substance Abuse Resources for SOF Families

Here’s a list of resources tailored to families and children impacted by substance abuse within the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community. These organizations and programs provide support, counseling, and tools to help navigate these challenging circumstances.

For Families and Children Coping with Substance Abuse

Military-Specific Resources

1. Military OneSource

   1. Offers free, confidential counseling for military families, including children.

   2. Provides substance abuse resources and referrals to programs tailored to military life.

   3. Visit Military OneSource - https://www.militaryonesource.mil

      
      

2. Family Advocacy Program - Ombudsman, Family Readiness Officer...

   1. Available at military installations, FAP offers counseling and support services for families experiencing stress, substance abuse, or domestic challenges.

   2. Contact your installation's FAP office for local resources.

      
      

3. TRICARE Behavioral Health Care

   1. Covers counseling and substance abuse treatment for service members and their dependents.

   2. Call TRICARE or visit their website to find local providers specializing in addiction and family therapy.

   3. TRICARE Mental Health Care - https://www.tricare.mil

      
      

4. Special Operations Warrior Foundation

   1. Offers scholarships, counseling, and educational resources for children of fallen and severely wounded SOF personnel.

   2. Special Operations Warrior Foundation - https://specialops.org

      
      

5. Substance Abuse Treatment and Counseling

   1. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

      1. A national helpline offering free, confidential information, treatment options, and support for families dealing with substance abuse.

   2. Helpline:** 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

   3. SAMHSA Website - https://www.samhsa.gov

      
      

6. Al-Anon Family Groups

   1. Offers support groups for families and friends of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.

   2. Programs like **Alateen** focus specifically on teens impacted by a parent’s substance abuse.

   3. Find a Meeting - https://al-anon.org

      
      

7. National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)

   1. Provides resources and support for children living with a parent struggling with addiction.

   2. Offers educational tools, advocacy, and guidance for families.

   3. NACoA Website - https://nacoa.org

      
      

8. Counseling and Therapy for Children

   1. Give an Hour : Provides free, confidential mental health services for military families, including children, through a network of volunteer professionals.

   2. Give an Hour - https://giveanhour.org

      
      

9. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

   1. Offers resources to help children cope with trauma, including substance abuse in the family.

   2. NCTSN Website - https://www.nctsn.org

      
      

10. Operation Purple Camps (National Military Family Association)

    1. Free, week-long camps designed to help military kids process stress and emotions in a supportive environment.

    2. Operation Purple Camps - https://www.militaryfamily.org

       
       

11. Parenting Support

    1. ZERO TO THREE : Provides resources for parents of young children to foster healthy emotional development, especially in families experiencing stress.

    2. ZERO TO THREE Website - https://www.zerotothree.org

       
       

12. Parenting for Service Members and Veterans

    1. A free online course offering tools for addressing stress, improving communication, and supporting children through challenging family dynamics.

    2. Visit the Course - https://www.militaryparenting.org

       
       

13. Crisis Hotlines for Immediate Support

    1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (Press 1 for Veterans)

    2. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (free support, 24/7)

    3. Military OneSource Crisis Line: 1-800-342-9647

       
       

14. Support Groups and Online Communities

    1. Facebook Groups for Military Spouses : Many online spouse communities discuss substance abuse and offer peer-to-peer support.

    2. Mighty Networks: Platforms like Military Spouse Chronicles offer safe spaces for sharing stories and finding encouragement.

    3. Spouse Resilience Programs : Check your installation or SOF community for local support groups specifically for spouses and children.

       
       

15. Advocacy and Long-Term Support

    1. Elizabeth Dole Foundation: Advocates for military caregivers and families, providing resources to address addiction and emotional strain.

    2. Elizabeth Dole Foundation - https://www.elizabethdolefoundation.org

       
       

16. Code of Support Foundation:

    1. Offers case coordination and connections to resources for military families facing challenges, including substance abuse.

    2. Code of Support Foundation - https://www.codeofsupport.org

By utilizing these resources, families can find the support needed to navigate the effects of substance abuse and help their children recover from the emotional impact.