Philosophy | Levels of Care | Family Program

Willingway Hospital specializes in the treatment of alcoholism and drug dependency conditions. For over three decades, we have offered alcoholics and addicts a chance for complete recovery by introducing them to a program of living designed to alleviate the need for mood-changing drugs.

As a family member of the patient, your role is critical in the recovery process. Your support, love, and understanding are vital. Patients who have met the goals of treatment and return to a supportive environment have the best possible chance of maintaining sobriety.

The Willingway Family Visit is a five-day living experience which offers you an opportunity to learn about alcoholism and participate in recovery…yours as well as the patient’s.

The period of time during which a family member is hospitalized can be a time for the family to examine their own feelings and attitudes. Because the effects of alcoholism and addiction on family members are sometimes traumatic, the healing process can be difficult and frustrating.

The Family Visit
The five-day Family Visit enables us to provide therapy for you. This visit is considered vital to your own recovery. Willingway’s Family Visit is designed to:

• Provide education
• Offer an opportunity to participate in recovery
• Encourage family group participation
• Improve communication skills

You will be a guest of the hospital for this five-day visit. The counselor will contact you regarding your date of arrival which is based on your family member’s discharge date.

In instances when a patient is not married, Willingway may recommend that a close family member or another "meaningful person" participate in the program.

Before Your Visit
Prepare yourself for a new sober lifestyle by involving yourself in Al-Anon, Alateen (if you have teenagers) and AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). You may contact Willingway’s Continuing Care department for suggested literature which includes Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism, Living with Sobriety, One Day at a Time in Al-Anon, and 12 Steps and 12 Traditions for Al-Anon.

We recommend that you attend open AA Meetings which will give you insight into the illness. Open meetings are designed for alcoholics, interested persons, and family members. Again, the Continuing Care has information for meetings in your area when you call 1-800-242-9455.