Articles & Resources
Explore articles and resources designed to bring encouragement, insight, and hope for every step of the recovery journey.
What to Do When You Discover Your Child is an Addict or Alcoholic

What to Do When You Discover Your Child is an Addict or Alcoholic
Finding out your child is struggling with a substance use disorder can leave you feeling like your world has been turned upside down. You may find yourself asking, “Where did I go wrong? How did this happen?”
The child you raised and love deeply is going down a path you never wanted for them, and you don’t know how it happened or what to do.
The weight of fear, confusion, guilt, shame, and heartbreak can feel overwhelming. But know this: You are not alone. It’s not your fault. There is hope.
At Hope is Alive, we’ve walked alongside countless families facing this exact moment. There are thousands of parents across the United States looking for the same path forward you are. And there are thousands more already on the path to recovery.
If you’re wondering what to do when you discover your child is an alcoholic or addict, here are some important next steps.
Recognize the Signs of Addiction and Alcoholism
Before taking action, it’s important to understand the common signs of addiction and alcoholism. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association, these may include:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Secrecy or dishonesty
- Financial problems or unexplained spending
- Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
- Physical changes such as weight loss, fatigue, or poor hygiene
Addiction is a chronic condition that affects the brain and behavior. Recognizing it early can help you take informed steps toward recovery.
Educate Yourself About Addiction and Alcoholism
Understanding addiction and alcoholism as diseases, not moral failures, can help you respond more effectively. Research shows that substance use disorders often require professional treatment and long-term support.
Look into:
- Types of addiction (alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, heroin, stimulants, etc.)
- Treatment options (inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, counseling, sober living)
- The role of mental health in addiction
The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate this situation.
Avoid Reacting in Highly Emotional Moments
Your first instinct may be to confront your child immediately. While your emotions are valid, reacting in the heat of the moment can lead to denial, defensiveness, or conflict.
Instead:
- Choose a calm, private time to talk
- Use non-accusatory language like “I’ve noticed…”
- Focus on your concern and love, not blame
Set Healthy Boundaries
As a parent, your instinct is to protect your child, but it’s important to understand the difference between helping and enabling.
Healthy boundaries might include:
- Not giving money that could support substance use
- Not covering up or making excuses for behavior
- Setting expectations for living arrangements or responsibilities
- Prioritizing safety for yourself and others in the home
Boundaries are not punishment. They are a necessary part of long-term recovery.
Encourage Professional Help
Substance use disorders rarely resolve without structured support. Encourage your child to seek professional help, such as:
- Licensed addiction counselors
- Medical detox programs
- Residential or outpatient rehab centers
- Support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous)
- The Healing Center
- Hope is Alive’s recovery homes
If they are resistant, consider consulting a professional about intervention strategies.
To learn more about professional help available for you, please reach out to Hope is Alive via our HopeLine at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
Seek Support for Yourself
Living with an alcoholic or addicted child can take a serious emotional toll. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
Consider:
- Individual therapy or counseling
- Support groups for families (such as Al-Anon or Finding Hope)
- Trusted friends or family members
Taking care of your mental health is essential, regardless of your child’s choices.
Final Thoughts
Discovering your child has a substance use disorder is a life-altering moment, but you are not without options. By educating yourself, setting boundaries, and seeking support, you can get through this.
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, reach out to us today at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
What to Do When You Discover Your Daughter is an Addict or Alcoholic

What to Do When You Discover Your Daughter is an Addict or Alcoholic
Finding out your daughter is struggling with a substance use disorder can leave you feeling like your world has been turned upside down. You may find yourself asking, “Where did I go wrong? How did this happen?”
The child you raised and love deeply is going down a path you never wanted for them, and you don’t know how it happened or what to do.
The weight of fear, confusion, guilt, shame, and heartbreak can feel overwhelming. But know this: You are not alone. It’s not your fault. There is hope.
At Hope is Alive, we’ve walked alongside countless families facing this exact moment. There are thousands of parents across the United States looking for the same path forward you are. And there are thousands more already on the path to recovery.
If you’re wondering what to do when you discover your daughter is an alcoholic or addict, here are some important next steps.
Recognize the Signs of Addiction and Alcoholism
Before taking action, it’s important to understand the common signs of addiction and alcoholism. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association, these may include:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Secrecy or dishonesty
- Financial problems or unexplained spending
- Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
- Physical changes such as weight loss, fatigue, or poor hygiene
Addiction is a chronic condition that affects the brain and behavior. Recognizing it early can help you take informed steps toward recovery.
Educate Yourself About Addiction and Alcoholism
Understanding addiction and alcoholism as diseases, not moral failures, can help you respond more effectively. Research shows that substance use disorders often require professional treatment and long-term support.
Look into:
- Types of addiction (alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, heroin, stimulants, etc.)
- Treatment options (inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, counseling, sober living)
- The role of mental health in addiction
The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate this situation.
Avoid Reacting in Highly Emotional Moments
Your first instinct may be to confront your daughter immediately. While your emotions are valid, reacting in the heat of the moment can lead to denial, defensiveness, or conflict.
Instead:
- Choose a calm, private time to talk
- Use non-accusatory language like “I’ve noticed…”
- Focus on your concern and love, not blame
Set Healthy Boundaries
As a parent, your instinct is to protect your child, but it’s important to understand the difference between helping and enabling.
Healthy boundaries might include:
- Not giving money that could support substance use
- Not covering up or making excuses for behavior
- Setting expectations for living arrangements or responsibilities
- Prioritizing safety for yourself and others in the home
Boundaries are not punishment. They are a necessary part of long-term recovery.
Encourage Professional Help
Substance use disorders rarely resolve without structured support. Encourage your daughter to seek professional help, such as:
- Licensed addiction counselors
- Medical detox programs
- Residential or outpatient rehab centers
- Support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous)
- The Healing Center
- Hope is Alive’s recovery homes
If she is resistant, consider consulting a professional about intervention strategies.
To learn more about professional help available for you, please reach out to Hope is Alive via our HopeLine at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
Seek Support for Yourself
Living with an alcoholic or addicted child can take a serious emotional toll. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
Consider:
- Individual therapy or counseling
- Support groups for families (such as Al-Anon or Finding Hope)
- Trusted friends or family members
Taking care of your mental health is essential, regardless of your daughter’s choices.
Final Thoughts
Discovering your daughter has a substance use disorder is a life-altering moment, but you are not without options. By educating yourself, setting boundaries, and seeking support, you can get through this.
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, reach out to us today at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
What to Do When You Discover Your Son is an Addict or Alcoholic

What to Do When You Discover Your Son is an Addict or Alcoholic
Finding out your son is struggling with a substance use disorder can leave you feeling like your world has been turned upside down. You may find yourself asking, “Where did I go wrong? How did this happen?”
The child you raised and love deeply is going down a path you never wanted for them, and you don’t know how it happened or what to do.
The weight of fear, confusion, guilt, shame, and heartbreak can feel overwhelming. But know this: You are not alone. It’s not your fault. There is hope.
At Hope is Alive, we’ve walked alongside countless families facing this exact moment. There are thousands of parents across the United States looking for the same path forward you are. And there are thousands more already on the path to recovery.
If you’re wondering what to do when you discover your son is an alcoholic or addict, here are some important next steps.
Recognize the Signs of Addiction and Alcoholism
Before taking action, it’s important to understand the common signs of addiction and alcoholism. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association, these may include:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Secrecy or dishonesty
- Financial problems or unexplained spending
- Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
- Physical changes such as weight loss, fatigue, or poor hygiene
Addiction is a chronic condition that affects the brain and behavior. Recognizing it early can help you take informed steps toward recovery.
Educate Yourself About Addiction and Alcoholism
Understanding addiction and alcoholism as diseases, not moral failures, can help you respond more effectively. Research shows that substance use disorders often require professional treatment and long-term support.
Look into:
- Types of addiction (alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, heroin, stimulants, etc.)
- Treatment options (inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, counseling, sober living)
- The role of mental health in addiction
The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate this situation.
Avoid Reacting in Highly Emotional Moments
Your first instinct may be to confront your son immediately. While your emotions are valid, reacting in the heat of the moment can lead to denial, defensiveness, or conflict.
Instead:
- Choose a calm, private time to talk
- Use non-accusatory language like “I’ve noticed…”
- Focus on your concern and love, not blame
Set Healthy Boundaries
As a parent, your instinct is to protect your child, but it’s important to understand the difference between helping and enabling.
Healthy boundaries might include:
- Not giving money that could support substance use
- Not covering up or making excuses for behavior
- Setting expectations for living arrangements or responsibilities
- Prioritizing safety for yourself and others in the home
Boundaries are not punishment. They are a necessary part of long-term recovery.
Encourage Professional Help
Substance use disorders rarely resolve without structured support. Encourage your son to seek professional help, such as:
- Licensed addiction counselors
- Medical detox programs
- Residential or outpatient rehab centers
- Support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous)
- The Healing Center
- Hope is Alive’s recovery homes
If he is resistant, consider consulting a professional about intervention strategies.
To learn more about professional help available for you, please reach out to Hope is Alive via our HopeLine at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
Seek Support for Yourself
Living with an alcoholic or addicted child can take a serious emotional toll. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
Consider:
- Individual therapy or counseling
- Support groups for families (such as Al-Anon or Finding Hope)
- Trusted friends or family members
Taking care of your mental health is essential, regardless of your son’s choices.
Final Thoughts
Discovering your son has a substance use disorder is a life-altering moment, but you are not without options. By educating yourself, setting boundaries, and seeking support, you can get through this.
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, reach out to us today at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
What to Do When You Discover Your Husband is an Addict or Alcoholic

What to Do When You Discover Your Husband is an Addict or Alcoholic
Finding out your husband is struggling with a substance use disorder can stop you in your tracks. It’s easy to ask yourself, “How did this happen? Were there signs that I missed?”
The person you love may suddenly seem like a stranger, and it’s normal to wonder how it happened. It’s also normal to not know what to do when you discover your husband is an addict or alcoholic.
The weight of fear, confusion, guilt, shame, and heartbreak can feel overwhelming. But know this: You are not alone. It’s not your fault. There is hope.
At Hope is Alive, we’ve walked alongside countless families facing this exact moment. There are thousands of wives across the United States looking for the same path forward you are. And there are thousands more already on the path to recovery.
If you’re wondering what to do when you discover your husband is an alcoholic or addict, here are some important next steps.
Recognize the Signs of Addiction and Alcoholism
Before taking action, it’s important to understand the common signs of addiction and alcoholism. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association, these may include:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Secrecy or dishonesty
- Financial problems or unexplained spending
- Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
- Physical changes such as weight loss, fatigue, or poor hygiene
Addiction is a chronic condition that affects the brain and behavior. Recognizing it early can help you take informed steps toward recovery.
Educate Yourself About Addiction and Alcoholism
Understanding addiction and alcoholism as diseases, not moral failures, can help you respond more effectively. Research shows that substance use disorders often require professional treatment and long-term support.
Look into:
- Types of addiction (alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, heroin, stimulants, etc.)
- Treatment options (inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, counseling, sober living)
- The role of mental health in addiction
The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate this situation.
Avoid Immediate Confrontation in Emotional Moments
Your first instinct may be to confront your husband immediately. While your emotions are valid, reacting in the heat of the moment can lead to denial, defensiveness, or conflict.
Instead:
- Choose a calm, private time to talk
- Use non-accusatory language like “I’ve noticed…”
- Focus on your concern and love, not blame
Set Healthy Boundaries
One of the most important steps is establishing clear, healthy boundaries. Supporting your husband does not mean enabling harmful behavior.
Examples of boundaries:
- Not covering up for his actions
- Not providing money that could support the addiction
- Protecting your own emotional and physical safety
Boundaries help create accountability while also protecting your well-being. They are not punishment. They are a necessary part of long-term recovery.
Encourage Professional Help
Substance use disorders rarely resolve without structured support. Encourage your husband to seek professional help, such as:
- Licensed addiction counselors
- Medical detox programs
- Residential or outpatient rehab centers
- Support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous)
- The Healing Center
- Hope is Alive’s recovery homes
If he is resistant, consider consulting a professional about intervention strategies.
To learn more about professional help available for you, please reach out to Hope is Alive via our HopeLine at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
Seek Support for Yourself
Living with an alcoholic or addicted spouse can take a serious emotional toll. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
Consider:
- Individual therapy or counseling
- Support groups for families (such as Al-Anon or Finding Hope)
- Trusted friends or family members
Taking care of your mental health is essential, regardless of your husband’s choices.
Final Thoughts
Discovering your husband has a substance use disorder is a life-altering moment, but you are not without options. By educating yourself, setting boundaries, and seeking support, you can get through this.
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, reach out to us today at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
What to Do When You Discover Your Wife is an Addict or Alcoholic

What to Do When You Discover Your Wife is an Addict or Alcoholic
Finding out your wife is struggling with a substance use disorder can stop you in your tracks. It’s easy to ask yourself, “How did this happen? Were there signs that I missed?”
The person you love may suddenly seem like a stranger, and it’s normal to wonder how it happened. It’s also normal to not know what to do when you discover your wife is an addict or alcoholic.
The weight of fear, confusion, guilt, shame, and heartbreak can feel overwhelming. But know this: You are not alone. It’s not your fault. There is hope.
At Hope is Alive, we’ve walked alongside countless families facing this exact moment. There are thousands of husbands across the United States looking for the same path forward you are. And there are thousands more already on the path to recovery.
If you’re wondering what to do when you discover your wife is an alcoholic or addict, here are some important next steps.
Recognize the Signs of Addiction and Alcoholism
Before taking action, it’s important to understand the common signs of addiction and alcoholism. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders from the American Psychiatric Association, these may include:
- Sudden changes in behavior or mood
- Secrecy or dishonesty
- Financial problems or unexplained spending
- Neglecting responsibilities at home or work
- Physical changes such as weight loss, fatigue, or poor hygiene
Addiction is a chronic condition that affects the brain and behavior. Recognizing it early can help you take informed steps toward recovery.
Educate Yourself About Addiction and Alcoholism
Understanding addiction and alcoholism as diseases, not moral failures, can help you respond more effectively. Research shows that substance use disorders often require professional treatment and long-term support.
Look into:
- Types of addiction (alcohol, opioids, fentanyl, heroin, stimulants, etc.)
- Treatment options (inpatient rehab, outpatient programs, counseling, sober living)
- The role of mental health in addiction
The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate this situation.
Avoid Immediate Confrontation in Emotional Moments
Your first instinct may be to confront your wife immediately. While your emotions are valid, reacting in the heat of the moment can lead to denial, defensiveness, or conflict.
Instead:
- Choose a calm, private time to talk
- Use non-accusatory language like “I’ve noticed…”
- Focus on your concern and love, not blame
Set Healthy Boundaries
One of the most important steps is establishing clear, healthy boundaries. Supporting your wife does not mean enabling harmful behavior.
Examples of boundaries:
- Not covering up for his actions
- Not providing money that could support the addiction
- Protecting your own emotional and physical safety
Boundaries help create accountability while also protecting your well-being. They are not punishment. They are a necessary part of long-term recovery.
Encourage Professional Help
Substance use disorders rarely resolve without structured support. Encourage your wife to seek professional help, such as:
- Licensed addiction counselors
- Medical detox programs
- Residential or outpatient rehab centers
- Support groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous)
- The Healing Center
- Hope is Alive’s recovery homes
If she is resistant, consider consulting a professional about intervention strategies.
To learn more about professional help available for you, please reach out to Hope is Alive via our HopeLine at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
Seek Support for Yourself
Living with an alcoholic or addicted spouse can take a serious emotional toll. But you don’t have to go through this alone.
Consider:
- Individual therapy or counseling
- Support groups for families (such as Al-Anon or Finding Hope)
- Trusted friends or family members
Taking care of your mental health is essential, regardless of your wife’s choices.
Final Thoughts
Discovering your wife has a substance use disorder is a life-altering moment, but you are not without options. By educating yourself, setting boundaries, and seeking support, you can get through this.
If you or your loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, reach out to us today at 1-844-3-HOPE-NOW.
Drug and Alcohol Prevention: Reaching the Next Generation

Drug and Alcohol Prevention: Reaching the Next Generation
April was a busy, and impactful, month for the Hope is Alive School Support team. We had the opportunity to partner with schools and community organizations all across the Oklahoma City area, connecting with students, parents, and educators in an attempt to get ahead of addiction.
Through assemblies, lunch hangouts, student engagement, and parent trainings, we opened the door for the next generation to learn more about the stark realities of drug and alcohol use.
We visited campuses all across Oklahoma City, bringing interactive presentations that students could actually connect with. Topics ranged from the Brain Science of Addiction to The Whole Self, Social Media and the Developing Brain, Spiritual Discernment, and The Power of Choices.
These presentations were intentionally designed to educate students on how substances and behaviors impact the brain, while also helping them understand the deeper “why” behind decision-making, including identity, stress, belonging, and emotional regulation. For instance, The Whole Self talk discussed how trauma and core wounds make us believe lies about ourselves, and how we then wear masks to cope.
Because not everyone responds well to a lecture, we also connected with students on a more personal level through lunch hangouts.
At our lunch hangouts, we created smaller, relational environments where students could process what they learned, ask questions, and practice real-life application of skills such as refusal strategies, coping skills, and navigating peer pressure — all of which are proven to be effective in preventing drug and alcohol use in teenagers.
Educating parents has also proven to be effective in preventing drug and alcohol use in teenagers. So, we hosted sessions focused on practical strategies to help parents navigate conversations around peer pressure, substance use, emotional regulation, and warning signs, while also encouraging stronger family connection and communication.
Our Addiction Prevention Mission
Across all settings, our approach remained rooted in the School Support mission to educate, inspire, and activate.
We educated by providing evidence informed age-appropriate information that increased understanding of risk and protective factors.
We inspired by speaking to students’ identity, worth, and purpose, helping them see their value and future beyond harmful choices.
And we activated by equipping them with practical tools, skills, and real-life scenarios so they can confidently apply what they’ve learned in everyday situations.
By engaging students, parents, and school staff across multiple environments, we are helping cultivate school communities where students feel supported, empowered, and equipped to make healthy choices, ultimately working toward our vision of a future where drugs and alcohol are no longer appealing because young people are secure in who they are and where they are going.
In April, an astounding 1,800 individuals were reached through our programming.
April School Support Events Completed
- Mid-Del District – Parent Training
Topic: Peer Pressure & Coping Skills - Mount St. Mary Catholic School – Lunch Hangout
Topic: Lunch Hang Talk - Trinity at Edgemere – Assembly
Topic: Peer Pressure - Christian Heritage Academy – Assembly
Topic: Spiritual Discernment - Christian Heritage Academy – Lunch Hangout
Topic: Spiritual Discernment - Christian Heritage Academy – Parent Training
Topic: See Something, Say Something - Rejoice Christian School – Assembly
Topic: Whole Self - Oklahoma Christian Academy – Assembly
Topic: Social Media & the Brain - Southern Nazarene University – Assembly
Topic: Neuroscience of Addiction - Heritage Hall – Assembly 5th-8th
Topic: Brain Science - Edmond Memorial High School – Assembly
Topic: Whole Self & Coping Skills
Finding Hope Podcast: Redeemed

In this episode, Director of Family Support Groups Amy LaRue sits down with Keven Kohs — who is celebrating three years of sobriety — to share his journey through addiction. He talks about his breaking points and the moments that led him towards recovery.
This isn’t a polished story. It’s a real story of hope.
For more information, visit:
Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.
The Roles of Families Impacted by Addiction

The Roles of Families Impacted by Addiction
When you love someone struggling with addiction, it affects every part of your life. Over time, many of us find ourselves stepping into roles we were never meant to carry. We try to fix, manage, or hold everything together, even when we can’t.
I know this personally.
There were seasons where I became the “hero” and the “enabler,” believing if I just did more, things would change. Instead, I found myself exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from who God created me to be.
Maybe you can relate.
In families impacted by addiction, we often take on roles like:
- Hero (over-responsible, holding it all together)
- Enabler (protecting and rescuing)
- Scapegoat (defiant, rule breaker)
- Mascot (immature, distracting)
- Lost Child (quiet, withdrawn)
But these are survival roles — not God-given identities.
At some point in my journey, especially through relapse and setting hard boundaries, I had to come back to this truth: I am responsible for my role, not their choices.
You were created to be who God called you to be: A mother. A father. A wife. A husband. A daughter. A son. A sister. A brother. A friend.
Not the fixer. Not the savior.
With hope,
Darcie Stephens, Finding Hope Coordinator
For more information, visit:
Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.
My First Day: Life at Hope is Alive

Everyone has a story. And for a lot of people walking into Hope is Alive, that story includes pain, instability, addiction, and moments that feel impossible to come back from.
This video shares just a glimpse of what those journeys can look like. More importantly, it points to what’s possible on the other side of addiction: healing, belonging, purpose, freedom.
There's a reason Hope is Alive has a high success rate for drug and alcohol addiction treatment.
The Power of Habits

The Power of Habits
What is a Habit?
A habit is a regular practice, something we do often, sometimes without even thinking. More than 40% of our daily actions are habits, shaping our lives in ways we may not realize. Some habits are helpful, like brushing our teeth or exercising, while others can be harmful, like biting our nails or skipping meals.
The Role of Habits in Our Lives
Our brains are wired to create habits, whether good or bad. The good news? Habits can be changed! With intentional effort, we can break unhealthy patterns and establish new, life-giving routines.
Facts About Habits
You Can Change Your Habits
While breaking old habits can be tough, it is possible. If you’ve overcome addiction or supported a loved one in recovery, you already know the power of change. Even small steps, like skipping a morning donut, can lead to lasting transformation. In the same vein, good habits can help an addict find sobriety. And good habits can help you stay strong while your loved one battles Heroin, Fentanyl, alcohol, and/or other substances.
Good Habits Help You Reach Your Goals
Big achievements start with small, consistent actions. You wouldn’t sign up for a marathon without training first, and the same principle applies to other areas of life. Whether it’s getting a better job, improving relationships, or building strength, success begins with daily habits.
Habits Shape Your Life
The routines you choose define who you become. Greeting your children with joy fosters a joyful heart. Eating healthy meals leads to a healthier body. The habits you practice today set the foundation for your future.
Habits Reduce Wasted Time
Most of us avoid difficult or uncomfortable tasks. However, good habits make us more efficient, cutting down on wasted time and helping us focus on what truly matters.
Habits Replace Motivation
Motivation comes and goes, but habits keep you going. We all have days when we don’t feel like exercising, working, or making healthy choices, but when these actions become habits, we do them automatically, and they lead to long-term success.
What small habit can you start today that will make a big impact on your life?
For more information, visit:
Faith-based support groups for families of addicts and alcoholics.
Hope After Loss Women’s Retreat: Why You Need It

Hope After Loss Women’s Retreat: Why You Need It
We know at Finding Hope that addiction can end in institution, recovery, or even death. Loving someone in addiction isn’t easy. Neither is losing someone to it. Whether you are a mom, a dad, a sibling, or a friend, it can feel incredibly lonely, confusing, overwhelming, painful… The list can go on and on. You may not always have the words for how you feel, but those emotions sit heavy on your heart.
Losing a loved one to addiction is a pain like no other. It changes everything, and it’s a weight you carry every single day.
At Finding Hope, some have lost a loved one or know someone who has. That’s why we are sharing about our upcoming Hope After Loss Women's Retreat. We want you, as well as your friends and family, to know you are not alone — we are here for support.
“For the first time… the darkness lifted,” shared Faith S. “Every single day after my son died, I begged God to take me with him. I would whisper, ‘I don’t want to be here anymore.’ That thought lived with me daily. But after attending the Hope After Loss Moms’ Retreat… something shifted. For the first time since losing my son, those thoughts were gone. Hope found me again.”
Today, Faith remains deeply connected to the women and leaders she met at the retreat. Because of the impact they had on her life, she has gone from surviving addiction to now advocating for Hope After Loss, helping countless other mothers find peace and hope after losing a loved one to addiction. Taking the next step forward, Faith is training to launch an in-person Hope After Loss group in Carson City, Nevada in 2026, so other grieving moms can find the same lifeline she did.
If you think you are alone, know that you are NOT alone. There are other mothers struggling with the loss of a child, other mothers who are just like Faith and Denise — just like you.
“Strangers became sisters… and I found my way forward.” shared Denise R. after a meeting in April. “Our son, Nathan, died from a heroin and fentanyl overdose in 2018. Years later, in 2025, I found myself facing a new wave of complicated grief. When I first heard about Hope After Loss, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I took a step and attended a support group. That one step led me to the retreat… and it changed everything.
From the moment I arrived, I was met with a kind of love and understanding I hadn’t experienced before. Women who were once strangers quickly became sisters. There was an unspoken bond between us — each of us carrying the weight of devastating loss. For the first time, I felt safe to share my story… to weep openly… to simply be.
There were moments of connection and also space for quiet reflection, both bringing deep healing to my soul. Through meaningful conversations, powerful teaching, shared meals, and intentional self-care, I began to realize something I hadn’t fully believed before: I am not alone. The relationships formed during that retreat became a lifeline — a community I didn’t know I needed, but now cannot imagine walking without. Hope After Loss gave me the space to process my grief… and the strength to move forward with peace and renewed purpose.”
You are not alone. And your story is not over. If you are or you know someone carrying the unimaginable weight of loss, the Hope After Loss Women’s Retreat is a place where your grief is seen, your story is held, and healing can begin — one step at a time.
Worship While You Run at HIA's 2026 Run for Hope

Worship While You Run at HIA's 2026 Run for Hope
Staying motivated to run a 5K is no easy feat. To give you a leg up for the Run for Hope 5K in August — an event hosted by Hope is Alive centered on Finding Hope and Hope After Loss family support groups — we want to share an insider’s secret weapon: music.
Music isn’t just background noise — especially when it’s worship. It’s actually a proven tool for boosting your mental and emotional well-being and connecting you with the Spirit.
In fact, 75% of people use music to relieve stress, 65% say it improves their mood and mindset, 60% rely on it for motivation and energy, and 61% use it to process emotions and memories.

Because Run for Hope is a time to celebrate the loved ones we’ve lost to the impact of addiction, we’ve curated a special playlist to act as your anchor.
Our hope is that as you listen, you feel encouraged, energized, and connected with Jesus. We hope that it reminds you why you’re running, and that it gives you the strength to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
There is hope in the fight against addiction.



