How Beamer Can Help

It’s estimated that 1 in 4 children in the U.S. is growing up in a family with alcohol or drug addiction. These kids experience enormous stress in their daily lives, and they’re also at much greater risk of developing addiction and mental health challenges themselves.

?Getting help with addiction starts with getting things out in the open. That’s the idea behind Beamer, the loveable lightbulb character at the heart of Hazelden Betty Ford’s programs and resources for children, ages 7-12, and their families.

?One mom, Deneige, shared how much Beamer has helped her 10-year-old daughter understand her father’s disease.

?“She quotes Beamer all the time,” says Deneige. “She connects with the books, identifies with the characters. Beamer helped her learn about addiction.”

?Hazelden Betty Ford’s programs for children are run by licensed counselors with in-person and virtual options. Kids learn about addiction while gaining life skills and meeting other kids who know what it’s like.

?Deneige signed her daughter up for Hazelden Betty Ford’s virtual Children’s Program, after discovering that there were no local services geared to her daughter. “This virtual program has made my daughter feel less alone,” she says. “The other kids are located all over, but they’ve found peers. They finally feel heard. It has helped so much.” Also, she adds, her daughter “absolutely loves the counselors.”

?Thanks to generous supporters, Hazelden Betty Ford’s programs for children are offered at no cost to families. Programs like these aren’t covered by insurance and families may not have the means to pay for services—no matter how badly their children need help. Caring donors from across the country step up to make sure these services are available for children—regardless of their families’ financial circumstances.?

?“If I could, I’d send my daughter seven days a week,” says Deneige. “This program saved my daughter.”

?If someone you know is struggling with addiction in their family, please reach out to us. 800-344-6132????????????????????????????????????

?To donate to help kids dealing with addiction in their families,

visit give.hazeldenbettyford.org