Marlene’s Lighthouse
A light of hope when life feels its darkest.
Marlene’s Lighthouse is an online resource for children and families affected by substance use disorder, bringing together books, educational materials, and support resources that offer comfort, understanding, and hope—especially in the moments when hope feels hardest to find.
Marlene’s Lighthouse is named in memory of my mother, Marlene James, who died in 1992 when I was just seven years old. She spent many years struggling with addiction to crack cocaine, and her addiction affected our entire family. Marlene’s Lighthouse recognizes that substance abuse affects more than the person struggling with it—it can deeply touch the lives of all those who love them. We hope to offer resources that bring comfort, understanding, and hope to everyone affected.
Marlene’s Lighthouse is my way of memorializing her—honoring her life and giving the love I carry for her a place to shine. While the world viewed her as a drug addict, I knew her as Mom. She was someone I loved, someone I needed, and someone I think about every day of my life.
A lighthouse does not make the storm disappear, but its light can help someone find their way through it. My hope is that this space offers that same reassurance when you feel lost, overwhelmed, or at your lowest: you are not forgotten, you do not have to carry everything alone, and there is still room for light in your life.
Substance Use Disorder Resource Guide
Support for people experiencing substance use disorder and those who love them. This guide brings together resources for children, teens, adult children, caregivers, and people seeking treatment or coping with loss. Most services listed are based in the United States. Select any website link to explore the resource.
For children and teens
Sesame Workshop
Videos, storybooks, activities, and caregiver guidance help young children understand parental addiction and remember that it is not their fault. Materials are available in English and Spanish.
https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/parental-addiction/
National Association for Children of Addiction
NACoA offers age appropriate resources for children and teens, guidance for caregivers, and support materials for adults who grew up with addiction in their homes.
https://nacoa.org/family-resources/
Alateen
Peer support for teenagers affected by someone else’s drinking, offering connection with other young people who share similar experiences.
For adults who grew up with parental substance use
Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families
ACA is a Twelve-Step fellowship offering meetings and literature for adults working through the effects of growing up with substance abuse or other family dysfunction.
For caregivers and loved ones
Partnership to End Addiction
Free, confidential guidance for parents, grandparents, siblings, and others supporting someone struggling with substance use. Available in English and Spanish. Text CONNECT to 55753 or visit the website to arrange support.
https://drugfree.org/article/helpline-get-one-on-one-help/
SMART Recovery Family and Friends
Free support meetings and practical tools for coping, communicating, and caring for yourself when someone you love struggles with addiction.
https://smartrecovery.org/family
Nar Anon Family Groups
A Twelve-Step peer support program for people affected by a relative’s or friend’s addiction. Visit the website to learn about meetings and resources.
Al Anon Family Groups
Peer support for people affected by someone else’s drinking. Find in-person, online, and telephone meeting options.
A guide for the whole household
SAMHSA Family Guide
Navigating Mental Health and Substance Use Care is a downloadable guide to treatment, recovery, and peer support that recognizes the needs of different family members.
https://library.samhsa.gov/product/navigating-mental-health-substance-use-care/pep25-08-008
For treatment and recovery support
FindTreatment gov
A confidential locator for mental health and substance use treatment services across the United States and its territories. Available in Spanish.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referrals and information for individuals and families. Available 24 hours a day in English and Spanish. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
SMART Recovery
Support meetings and practical tools for people seeking help with alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors. Online and in-person options are available.
https://smartrecovery.org/find-support
Alcoholics Anonymous
AA offers peer support and a Twelve-Step recovery program for people who want help with their drinking.
Narcotics Anonymous
NA offers recovery meetings, literature, and virtual meeting resources for people experiencing drug addiction.
Shatterproof
Information about addiction and treatment options, with tools to help individuals and loved ones find and compare treatment services.
https://shatterproof.org/find-help
Resource information reviewed October 15, 2026. Programs, availability, and eligibility may change. Visit each organization’s website for current details. These links are provided for information and do not imply affiliation or endorsement. Peer support and educational resources do not replace individualized medical or mental health care.
For people grieving a substance related death
Grief Recovery After Substance Passing
GRASP offers compassionate peer support, local meetings, and resources for people who have lost someone to substance use or addiction.
Marlene's Lighthouse Collective
Marlene’s Lighthouse Collective is a thoughtfully selected collection of books offering comfort, understanding, and hope to children and adults who have a parent with substance use disorder. Through stories that give words to difficult feelings and reflect experiences often carried in silence, the Collective hopes to help readers feel seen and less alone—and find a little light when hope feels hardest to reach. Visit us regularly as we continue to update our book list with more stories of encouragement, connection, and hope.