Mississippi’s First FA chapter to start meeting in January
Two-thirds of Americans are affected by drug abuse (including alcohol) and related behavioral problems. In Mississippi, 12-step programs for addicts are readily available; however, 12-step groups for parents, children, siblings, and friends of addicts are rare.
The excessive use of drugs or alcohol obviously wreaks havoc on a person’s life, but it can also strain and destroy the addict’s relationships with others. As family members and friends seek ways out of the negative situations in which they find themselves, they typically focus on “fixing” their addicted loved ones — without considering how their own patterns of thoughts and actions might be contributing to the problem.
A group in Water Valley, Mississippi, is working to help family members who find themselves in those situations. A chapter of Families Anonymous — the first in the state of Mississippi — has been established to aid individuals whose lives have been disrupted by the behavior of a family member.
Families Anonymous® (FA®) is a self-help support group for families and friends of people with drug, alcohol or related behavioral issues. The fellowship, founded in 1971, is based on the Twelve Step recovery model of Alcoholics Anonymous. FA’s philosophy begins with the premise that when one family member is in trouble and abusing drugs, his or her whole family is in trouble and needs help.
The Water Valley chapter of Families Anonymous will meet for the first time on January 11, 2026, at 4 pm at the Salt & Light Building, located at 610 N. Main in Water Valley. A second meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2026, at the same location.
Newcomers typically come to their first Families Anonymous meetings feeling desperate and hopeless, fearing they have nowhere to turn. In the meetings they realize they are no longer alone. As they listen to other members share their experiences and hear how other families have dealt with circumstances and problems similar to their own, they learn new ways to cope with their own situations.
There are no dues or costs to participate and there is no need to register. Interested parties can simply arrive at the Salt and Light Building at 4 p.m. on the day of the scheduled meeting. If you need more information about the Water Valley Families Anonymous meeting, email: famanonwv@gmail.com.
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