Family support is a key form of recovery capital for individuals in substance use recovery. However, for too long, the dominant narrative in recovery has seen family members as a liability in recovery and labeled as codependent or enablers that need to be detached or disconnected from their loved ones in order to “help” a loved one. A shift in perspective is needed to recognize family bonds and relationships as catalysts for change while families are often the first responders to substance use. In this keynote, we will unfold another side of the story of family recovery by sharing the inspiration behind and creation of Together: Family Recovery, a documentary designed to affirm that families have work to do, possess agency, and that their ways of being have a direct influence on recovery outcomes. We will explore how storytelling serves as a modality for shifting belief systems, orienting families to recovery and influencing systemic change. We will also discuss the decision-making and implementation processes throughout the creation and screening of the film, and present evidence of its impact on families who have watched the film. Drawing on selected film clips and evaluation data from the VCU study, we will engage the audience in thought provoking discussions on strategies to challenge stigma and empower families to create environments that support recovery.
Objectives
- Attendees can differentiate between the traditional "tough love" narrative and connection-based modern recovery models to understand the family's vital role in the recovery process.
- Attendees can examine how documentary storytelling serves as a mechanism for shifting deep-seated belief systems and validating family agency.
- Attendees can apply narrative strategies and creative media tools to challenge stigma, engage families, and advocate for systemic reform.
Open Zoom
