It is pertinent to note that Addiction is an all pervasive disease and it adversely affects the family life. It is experienced that close members of an addict have to suffer an emotional trauma which results in anxiety, depression and other psychosomatic disorders.

The common problems experienced by the family members are:
Pre–occupation about addiction
They are unable to concentrate on their day to day work, thinking about the addict and his addiction and feel overburdened with financial & family responsibilities.

Depression
Their efforts to control the addiction fails which leads to depression.

Victimized
Often society blames the family for his/her addiction and they are labeled to be cause of addiction. It is not possible for most of the family members to find a friend who can empathically relate with them. Further they can not disown their responsibility of helping the addict in his recovery. Therefore, counseling and Support Groups assumes great importance. These are some of the major support groups for such families.

Sahachari
It is a support group of the wives of the addicts organized by Muktangan Mitra. It believes that Wives can not cure or control the addiction, and most importantly they are not cause of it. Once they accept this fact they can prepare themselves to help the addict in his recovery. Sahachari also believes that while helping the addict they should look at their irrational habits and make positive efforts to change themselves. The Group meets twice a month. Meetings include sharing, discussion, Guidance from the Guest Speaker and individual counseling.

The Venue and Schedule is as follows
Muktangan Counseling Centre
Mohan Wadi, Alandi Road, Yerwada,
Pune 411006, Maharashra India.
Timing: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The Group works under the Guidance of Clinical Psychologist and Deputy Director of Muktangan Mitra–Mukta Puntambekar, and the counselor Ms. Prafulla Mohite.

Al–Anon
Al–Anon is a self help group of the family members of the Alcoholics where family members meet regularly and share their experiences .The membership is open to every person affected by alcoholism, desiring serenity.

Al–Teen
It is a support group for children of alcoholics. It is widely established that children of addicts are emotionally vulnerable and suffer a lot. Further in the light of hereditary aspects of addiction, attendance to such meetings help them to protect themselves from the addiction, maintain their serenity and could relate themselves with the addict parent. Al–teen meetings are generally held along with Al Anon Meetings.

Marital Counseling & Sahajeevan Group
Marital Relationship is the most affected relationship during addiction. Therefore, immediately after the treatment addict is advised to take efforts to restore his relationship with his wife. A special Group of Couples has been formed by Muktangan Mitra. It meets twice a month and a workshop is conducted twice a year.

The Group focuses on issues like, Demand and Expectations, Love, Dealing with Disagreements & disputes, Sensible Parenting, Problems of Intimacy etc. Meetings are Interactive and open–mindedness is encouraged. New members learn from the experiences of senior couples. These meetings are conducted by Dr Anil Awachat, Dr Anand Nadkarni & Mukta Puntambekar.

Support for Rehabilitation
The Major problem faced by most of the addicts is that of gainful employment. Given the Indian scenario of unemployment, the problem is grave. Despite their qualifications and expertise they are unable to get the job. The embarrassing past haunts them and interferes in the process of employment. Very few organizations like ILO offers financial support to the addict for his rehabilitation. However, the demand is much more than the opportunities available.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. has taken initiative to provide help in the employment of recovering addicts. A complete data bank would be compiled and appropriate persons would be recommended to the placement units. Some members of the support groups have shared their experiences with us.