Information about a new way to help families battle addiction comes to Alabama this week.
Not One More Alabama is looking for parents who know what it’s like to have a child go through addiction and who now want to help others. They’re holding meetings to find parent coaches.
At its core the coaching is another parent to lean on who knows what you’re going through. Looking ‘big picture,’ more people knowing how to face addiction means a better shot at breaking the cycle. With a parent coaching network they can fight it together.
Here’s how NOMA describes what being a parent coach is and what the training looks like:
The experience that a parent who has had children who have struggled with substance use issues brings is invaluable for parents who are currently going through that struggle and are looking for support. NOMA will be selecting motivated parents or family members, all impacted by their child or loved one’s substance use, for a weekend intensive training to become Volunteer Parent Coaches.
The training will take place over a Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday in late January or February (dates to be announced soon) in Huntsville.
Parents and family members will receive free, specialized training using the evidence-based approaches of CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), MI (Motivational Interviewing) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
The training is conducted by expert, PhD-level clinical staff from the Center for Motivation and Change, an experienced parent coach ‘mentor’ and professional staff members from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids.
This is an amazing opportunity to be part of an innovative Peer-to-Peer Parent Coaching Network. You will be able to learn from leaders in the industry the skills and tools necessary to take your personal experience and combine it with training in evidenced-based techniques to prepare you to help others.
You will also be able to utilize these skills on a local level in our community and throughout the state to support those impacted by addiction. Only 20 people from Alabama will be able to participate in this training. All interested candidates are encouraged to attend one of our Information Sessions. You will be asked to complete a short application to let us know a little bit about how addiction has impacted your family and why you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Parent/Family Coach.
The next information meetings are Thursday online or Saturday at the National Children’s Advocacy Center. Look here for more information about the location and times.
NOMA is partnering with the Center on Addiction/Partnership for Drugfree & The Center for Motivation and Change Foundation for Change.
Hear from NOMA’S President Patty Sykstus Wednesday on WZDX News at 5:30.
