How to help a family member with

addiction problems?

Support for families of people with addiction

When someone close to you has a problem with alcohol or cocaine, the whole family is affected. Uncertainty, frustration, fear, and a feeling of not knowing what to do are normal reactions.

The Victoria Program supports families throughout the entire process: from the moment they detect the problem until long after the patient has completed the therapeutic retreat.

How we help families

Initial guidance: what to do when you detect the problem?

The first step is often the hardest. Many families wonder, "How do I tell him he has a problem?" or "Should I force him to go to a center?"

The Victoria Program's therapeutic team advises the family before the patient begins treatment:

How to approach the conversation without confrontation or ultimatums, maximizing the chances that the person will voluntarily accept help.
What to say and what to avoid: concrete guidelines based on behavioral psychology to ensure the message gets across without generating rejection.
Situation assessment: the team helps the family assess the severity of the problem and determine if the Victoria Program is the right option.

This guidance is free and confidential. There is no obligation.

During the retreat: what to expect?

The therapeutic retreat lasts 10 days. During this period, the patient works intensively at a hotel in Marbella, in groups of no more than 8 people. The family does not participate directly in the therapy sessions, but is kept informed of the patient's progress and receives guidance from the team on how to prepare the environment for their return.

After retirement: the role of the family in consolidation

The first few months after retirement are the most important. The patient returns to their familiar environment with new tools, but that environment hasn't changed. This is where the family can make a difference.

The Victoria Program provides the family with:

Guidelines for creating a supportive environment: what specific changes in the family routine facilitate recovery.
What to avoid: codependent behaviors, overprotection, or excessive surveillance, which, although well-intentioned, can hinder the process.
Warning signs: how to identify early signs of relapse and what to do if they occur, without drama or confrontation.
Communication during follow-up: During the year of professional follow-up included in the program, the family can consult with the therapeutic team about any doubts or difficulties.

Common situations we deal with

"My son has a problem with cocaine and he doesn't want to admit it."

This is one of the most frequent questions we receive. The team guides parents on how to approach the situation so their child can listen without becoming defensive. The goal is to reach a voluntary, not forced, decision. More information here: Family Intervention

"My partner is drinking and using more and more, and I don't know how to help him."

El abuso de alcohol o de cocaína genera en la pareja un desgaste enorme. Asesoramos sobre cómo expresar preocupación sin que se convierta en reproche, y sobre cuándo es el momento de proponer ayuda profesional.

"We are a family with a business, and one member's addiction is affecting everything."

In family businesses, a member's addiction has consequences that extend far beyond the personal: it affects business decisions, relationships with partners, and the financial stability of the entire family. The program addresses this dimension with complete discretion.

"We've already tried other centers and it hasn't worked."

Many families come to the Victoria Program after having tried other options without success. The program's approach is different: it is not based on willpower or prolonged inpatient treatment, but on a scientific understanding of the mechanisms of addiction. The 10-day retreat, combined with a year of follow-up, offers an alternative for those who do not identify with the traditional rehabilitation model.

Why do families choose the Victoria Program?

Short format: 10 days of retreat, not months of hospitalization. The family recovers their loved one quickly and without the treatment becoming an endless process.
No stigma: the retreat takes place in a hotel, not a clinic. There are no gowns, no bars, and no hospital atmosphere.
Voluntary, not forced: the program only admits patients who agree to participate voluntarily, which increases the effectiveness of the treatment. The team helps the family achieve this voluntary acceptance.
Documented results: 67% success rate in 5- to 8-year follow-ups.
One-year follow-up: the family is not left alone after the retreat. The therapeutic team provides support for 12 months.
Total confidentiality: especially important for families with a public or business profile.

Frequently Asked Questions for Families

Can I consult with the team without my family member knowing?

Yes. The initial consultation is completely confidential. Many families contact us before speaking with the person affected, precisely to receive guidance on how to take that step.

Does my family member need to want to go voluntarily?

Yes. The Victoria Program works exclusively with patients who participate voluntarily. If your family member is not yet ready, the team will guide you on how to facilitate that decision without pressure or ultimatums. Read our page on Family Intervention to learn more about this topic.

Does the family participate in the retreat sessions?

Not directly. The therapy sessions are for the patient. However, the family receives guidance before, during, and after the retreat on how to support the recovery process.

What if we have already tried other treatments without success?

The Victoria Program uses a different approach than most rehabilitation centers: it's based on scientific psychology, not willpower or prolonged hospitalization. Many of our patients come after having tried other options. The 10-day retreat, combined with a year of follow-up, delivers results even in cases where other treatments haven't worked.

How much does the treatment cost?

The cost is communicated individually after an initial consultation, where the team assesses your situation and confirms that the program is suitable for you. You can contact us without obligation.

Do you serve families from outside Spain?

Yes. We serve families from all over Spain, Europe, and the Americas. The retreat takes place in Marbella, and the initial orientation and follow-up are conducted in person or remotely, depending on each family's needs.