Peer to Peer (P2P) Program

The Peer-to-Peer (P2P) program provides support for parents/family members whose loved ones are struggling with their substance use. All of our peer supporters have lived experience of supporting a loved one with addiction and are trained in the Invitation to Change (ITC) Approach. This approach uses the evidence-based principles of Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our peer supporters will listen to you with empathy and without judgment and speak with you about strategies that can help both you and your loved one.

All services are free and confidential.

P2P supporters are people like you who have loved ones with an addiction. They will:

  • Listen to your experience.
  • Let you know that you are not alone and that there is hope.
  • Point you to resources to educate yourself about addiction.
  • Discuss coping skills and setting boundaries.
  • Talk about how to communicate with and relate to your loved one in active addiction.

P2P offers 8 conversations of up to one hour each with a supporter over a two month period. Your conversations will be by phone and scheduled at times decided between you and your supporter.

The program is not a substitute for professional counselling, therapy, or mental health care. P2P supporters cannot provide advice on what to do in a specific situation, but they can help you understand addiction and provide guidance on how to make difficult decisions.

If you would like to participate in the P2P program, please complete and submit the Registration Form below. Your personal information will be held in strict confidence in accordance with FAR’s Privacy Policy. A representative of FAR will then contact you to connect you with one of our many supporters. We will try to match your situation as closely as possible to the lived experience of your supporter.

Testimonials

“I was able to open up about my daughter — I didn’t have anyone to talk to about it before. It helped me accept more and understand better. My P2P supporter was a lifesaver.”

Parent

“Our supporter gave us the confidence to deal with the issues, the more I spoke with her, the more confident I was in dealing with my son.”

Parent

“I was combating him like he was my enemy. I learned that anger does not help.”

Parent

Our Other Services to Empower Families

Family Support
Groups

Our Online Family Support Groups provide a safe space where family members can discuss practical strategies, find support and share resources and information.

Live Phone
Support

During hours of operation, you will be connected to a trained supporter for immediate assistance.

Donate

Your donation helps us support families affected by addiction and those struggling with their substance use.

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