In order to provide our family members with answers to most frequently asked questions, the family program staff has included the following
What is Family Week?
Whenever appropriate, each patient is encouraged to have family members participate in this three-and-one-half day program which starts each Monday at 1 pm and ends each Thursday at 1 pm. Family members are welcome to start arriving at noon and have lunch with the patients. Patients and family members will attend focus groups to gain insight about addiction and how it impacts the family unit. Our primary goal is to help each participant acquire knowledge about chemical dependency, to gain an understanding of how he/she has been personally affected by this disease, to improve communication skills, and to begin behavioral change. The educational/process group format provides information on:
- Alcoholism
- Other Drug Addictions
- Family Dynamics
- Communication
- Recovery
- Relapse Prevention & Recovery Enhancement Skills
Who can attend Family Week?
- Immediate family
- Close friends in recovery
- Significant other relationships
We suggest no more than 4-5 family members in attendance. Children must be at least 15 years old to participate. Please refer to the Family Program packet on our website for local temporary childcare information for younger children.
When is Family Week scheduled?
Family week takes place during the patient’s treatment stay and is scheduled at a time when therapeutically indicated for the patient. With a signed authorization from the patient in place, a staff member will call with your assigned family week date.
Can a family member participate part of the time?
We encourage participants to attend the entire family week—Monday through Thursday. Every day has its own value and experience that cannot be reproduced. For example, our doctors give a very enlightening lecture on Monday only, and each family’s recovery plan is developed on Thursday. We can explore the possibility of missing Thursday, but attending Monday through 4pm on Wednesday is crucial to the entire family’s recovery process.
What else can we expect during Family Week?
Meals for family members are not included in the price for treatment. There is a $25 meal fee for each participant who wishes to eat in La Hacienda’s dining room through the duration of the family program.
Patients may not receive passes on Monday or Tuesday evenings. However, passes for outings will be available on Wednesday evening only for those eligible.
For more detailed information please see the Family Program packet on our website.
Is there anything we can do to prepare before attending Family Week?
We believe family members would benefit from attending an Al-Anon or other self-help group before attending family week. Our website offers information about La Hacienda support group locations in various locations throughout Texas.
May I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed on campus and must not be left in vehicles anywhere on La Hacienda’s property. If you must bring a pet, please make boarding arrangements for pet care.
What if I can’t attend family week during the scheduled time?
All patients have the option of returning within one year to complete Family Week at no charge except for the $25 meal fee for each participant.
Family members can always visit on Sundays to show their support and they may also be able to schedule a private session with their loved one and a weekend counselor.
Additionally, the case manager may facilitate conference calls with the patient and their family.
