About  

Parents with a child addicted to drugs and/or alcohol can find hope in a support program called Parents of Addicted Loved-ones (PAL).

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How PAL Started

PAL was founded in 2006 by Michael Speakman, LISAC, while working as a Substance Abuse Counselor in Arizona. As the number of meetings spread due to growing demand, volunteer facilitators were trained and new meetings opened across the Phoenix metro area. In 2015, PAL was incorporated as a Christian run non-profit and falls under a 501c(3) for charitable donations as a partner with another Christian organization, Partners In Action. PAL meetings are open to anyone of any faith or background as our primary goal is to provide hope through education and support for parents dealing with addicted loved ones. PAL is governed by a volunteer board.

Meet PAL Leadership

Kim Humphries

CEO

“I felt like, as a guy, a cop, a dad, that I should be able to solve this,” Kim, 57, says. “We begged, we cajoled, we tried everything we could to get them help. And everything backfired.”

Dinah Brooks

Communications Director

Dinah Brooks leads the communications and group development at Parents of Addicted Loved Ones.

Michael Speakman, LISAC

Founder

As PAL was to grow beyond the ability of one person to manage and the decision was made to incorporate PAL as a non-profit. Mike turned over the reins to a group of 12 parents in February 2015.

About PAL Groups

The guiding principles of PAL are confidentiality, respect, acceptance and support. Differences in opinion are embraced without judgment and suggestions are offered in lieu of advice. Members are encouraged to “take what works and leave the rest.” Everyone experiences the journey at their own pace and is supported by the group regardless.

 

2 Parts to a PAL Group

There are two parts to a PAL group meeting: an educational component and a sharing component. Along with information about addiction and recovery, PAL uses stories and metaphors to help parents better understand what they are up against.

For instance, a first-time parent might be asked to picture their child’s age. They are often surprised to find they picture a 25-year-old son as a 15-year-old adolescent. This mental picture is important because it shapes how they decide to help, which can turn into enabling a grown man to act as a boy. Once parents realize this, they gain a better understanding of the problem and more clarity on possible solutions.

 

Flexible & Powerful Community

Getting involved in PAL is an important way to begin managing the ongoing issues surrounding an addicted child. Meetings are 90 minutes long and free of charge.

By attending PAL meetings, parents learn proven ways to help their loved one and ultimately how to find joy in life regardless of the choices their loved one makes.

PAL does not endorse any particular action or school of thought. The group is just one way for parents and spouses to educate themselves and prepare to make their own decisions. Members aren’t required to attend each week or follow every suggestion.

Learn More

We realize it can be challenging to join up with a new community, and we want to make sure you feel comfortable in this healing journey. Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions, and feel free to contact us if you need any clarification.

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