Though addiction is often described as a family disease, traditionally very little help is offered to the families of those struggling with substance use.

With the support of Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol, Mid-Atlantic Rehabilitation Services has developed a first-of-its-kind program to bring families innovative treatment that places them at the center of the therapeutic process, according to a news release.

All too often, parents, spouses and others who care about someone using substances suffer through the unique pain of watching their loved one fall deeper into addiction, powerless to stop them.

If their substance-using loved one refuses treatment, there are limited resources for families to heal or learn to cope. Most insurances won’t pay for services unless the individual using substances is present, and family therapists typically have little experience with addiction.

The Families Obtaining Recovery Together program is the solution, standing as a beacon of hope.

It is offered free of charge to Lehigh County residents because Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol fully funds this program through Opioid Settlement Funds.

Since its beginning in the Bethlehem office, FORT has touched the lives of more than 100 families in the Lehigh Valley, offering critical support and healing.

As MARS opens a new treatment center in Allentown, the FORT program will join the slate of treatment options offered, making this groundbreaking program available to more Lehigh County residents.

The program includes comprehensive counseling services such as individual therapy, couple’s therapy, family therapy, case management, family peer support and group therapy. Support is available for all ages, starting from as young as 5 years old.

An inclusive definition of “loved ones,” accommodating non-biological relatives and those with deceased loved ones, is a core component of the program.

There are weekly codependency groups and psychoeducation sessions about substance use disorders and specialized groups like one devoted to grandparents raising children. While the grandparents are in their group, a concurrent one for the children operates at the same time.

The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities, leaving countless individuals and families in its wake. In a powerful step to combat the devastating opioid epidemic, MARS proudly announces the opening of its new substance use treatment program in Allentown.

Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need for comprehensive, accessible treatment programs.

By integrating group, individual and family counseling with a holistic approach, MARS empowers people to reclaim their lives.

This new facility, which opened its doors in May 2024, offers new opportunities for healing to the community, providing essential support for up to 150 individuals.

This expansion builds upon the success of the Bethlehem office, which currently serves more than 400 individuals and families.

“Substance use impacts not just individuals but their families and friends as well. By focusing on family-inclusive treatment, Lehigh County has revolutionized our ability to help individuals and our community achieve sustained recovery,” Gregory Krausz, MA, CAADC, LPC, MARS facility director, said. “The FORT program, funded by Lehigh County, has reached hundreds of families with effective, efficient and ethical treatment. To participate in the FORT orogram, call our main office at 610-419-3101 or visit marsatp.com.”

Joe Martellucci, SCA administrator of Lehigh County, underscored the significance of these lifesaving programs.

“Opioid Settlement Funds have allowed Lehigh County to expand and develop new innovative programs for our residents,” Martellucci said. “The FORT program provides treatment and treatment-related services to families who have loved ones suffering from opioid use disorder. Families are often ‘forgotten’ by the system, so bringing a second FORT program to our residents is exciting and much needed to combat the effects of opioid use disorder.”

MARS is committed to creating a community of acceptance, advocacy and respect. By continually adapting to the needs of those we serve, we strive to provide comprehensive and personalized substance use disorder treatment.

This new facility in Allentown and the additional location of the FORT program represent not just an expansion, but a renewed promise to fight the opioid crisis with innovation and compassion.

For more information about MARS and the FORT program, visit marsatp.com or contact their main office at 610-419-3101.